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Vizcaya or Bizcaia
(in Basque), is a Spanish province. It is also what is known as a 'Foral Territory'
which means that it has economic independence. Vizcaya along with Alava and Guipúzcoa
(also 'Foral territories') make up the Basque Country (Euskadi in
Basque). Vizcaya has a population of 1,136,000 inhabitants and the capital city
is Bilbao.
Vizcaya is located
in Northern Spain, on the
Cantabrian coast. This province
covers 2,217 kms2 and has
80 kms of coastline. It has
a changeable climate with
an annual average temperature
of 14ºC - 15ºC although
in summer temperatures are
often in the high twenties.
It is not unusual for it to
be cloudy and rainy even during
the summer months but especially
in autumn and winter.
The Basque country has 2
official languages Basque
(also called Euskera) and
Spanish. There are many different
dialects within Euskera one
of which is bizkaiera.
The main routes to Vizcaya
are by motorway - the A-8
and also the A-68 which goes
from Bilbao to Zaragoza. If
you are travelling to Bilbao
from abroad, Easyjet operate
cheap flights to Bilbao and
Brittany operate a ferry route
from Portsmouth.
History of Vizcaya:
There is evidence that pre-Roman
tribes settled in the Northern
part of the Basque Country.
In the Western part remains
of the Várdulos have
been found. In 1040 Vizcaya
was known as the 'Señorío
de Vizcaya'. The first
'Señor de Vizcaya'
was Don Iñigo López
Ezquerra, (Navarran) who was
given this title in return
for defending the king from
Castilla in the battles between
Castilla and Navarra. In 1370
this title was inherited by
Juan de Castilla and from
the time of King Charles I
it became a Royal title.
Bilbao: is the capital
of the province. It is both
the economic and social centre
of Vizcaya. Bilbao has approximately
1 million inhabitants. It
is a large industrial city
which has continued to grow
both culturally and economically
over the years. In fact it
now hosts buildings designed
by some of the most famous
architects in the world -
the
Guggenheim, the Euskalduna
Palace, the metro, the new
tram system and the airport
in Loiu. It is clearly an
up and coming fashionable
city!
Culturally
Bilbao has much to offer - museums, exhibitions, contemporary art, an opera house,
theatres, music, cinemas...
The city has two universities; one public
and the other a private university called Deusto, founded by the Jesuits in 1864,
recognised for its high academic standards. One of the focal points of the
city is the Plaza del Arenal and the Arenal park. It is a popular meeting place
for the city's citizens. Bilbao is divided by the river Nervión.
It is located within the wider area known as Gran Bilbao which is a green, fertile
and mountainous area. Monte Artxanda, on the outskirts has some very good views
over the city.
Things to do and see in Bilbao, Vizcaya Walks:
Strolling through the city and parks is very pleasant. It has almost 30kms
of cycle lanes which means you can get around safely by bike. The metro and tram
systems also mean you can get from one corner of the city to another very easily. Bilbao
is a city of contrasts. One area is made up of the old part (also known as el
Casco Viejo) which has been declared a Historic-Artistic centre. The other
part is called Abando and El Ensanche which is the commercial and financial centre
of the city where most of Bilbao's new modern buildings can be found. Some of
them designed by important 20th century architects from Bilbao. The Casco
Viejo (the old part): You can visit the following - the Cathedral, the Townhall,
the Ribera market, San Antón church, San Nicholas church, San Juanes church,
the Archeological Museum, la Catedral, el Ayuntamiento, La Bolsa, el Mercado de
la Ribera, la Iglesia de San Antón, The Arenal park and the Arriaga theatre...There
are also a large number of bars and restaurants. Streets: Belosticalle, Somera,
La Cruz, Sombrerería, Plaza del Arenal, Plaza Nueva (19th century Neoclassic).
A great place for soaking up the atmosphere. On the lefthand side of the
river you can find El Ensanche and Abando. The Gran Via is the most important
street along with Buenos Aires, Plaze de España, Plaza de Moyúa,
Plaza Sagrado Corazón, and Navarra (in the surrounding area you can find
some great typical cafes 'el Café Iruña' is the most well known).
In this area there are important buildings such as the 'Palacio de la Diputación'
(local governement buildings), San Mamés football stadium, the Bellas Artes
Museum, the Albia gardens, San Vicente church, Doña Casilda Iturrizar park.
Cathedrals and churches: Santiago Cathedral: Plazuela
de Santiago, 1, 48005 Bilbao. (Tel: 94 415 36 27). This Cathedral was built in
the 14th century in a gothic style upon an ancient chapel dating back to the Jacobean
pilrimages. The facade and the tower were added later on in the 19th century.
The cloister is particularly interesting (gothic style), the crypt (placed upon
the original shrine), the high altar (neoclassic) and the two porticos (one renaissance
the other neoclassic) . It is located in Bilbao's old part (el Casco Viejo) and
has been declared a National Historical monument.
Begoña Basilica:
c/ Virgen de Begoña, 8, 48006 Bilbao. Built in the 16th century (1588)
upon an ancient chapel. Neogothic in style. Inside you can see the image of the
Virgin (or Amatxo) de Begoña the patron saint of Bilbao. Every year on
the 15th August there is a special procession in her honour. Of particular interest:
the renaissance entrance and the 14th century figure of the Amatxo de Begoña.
San Antón Church: Paseo de la Ribera. This church was built
in the 15th century in a gothic style upon an ancient fortress. It has been declared
a Historic-Artistic monument. Of particular interest: its bridge over the river,
the Baroque tower (1777) and its portico at the renaissance entrance.
San
Nicolás de Bari Church: Baroque style built by the architect Ignacio
de Ibero.
los Santos Juanes Church: c/ de La Cruz, 4, en el Casco
Viejo. Started by the architect Martín Ibañez Zalbidea and finished
by Ramirezen (1622). It was built upon the church belonging to the Colegio
de San Andrés, which was part of the Compañía de Jesús.
Baroque style with renaissance elements.
San Vicente Church: Located
in the Albia gardens, in the plaza San Vicente. It is in a late gothic style built
in the 6th century.
La Merced Church: Built in 1675. Today it is used
as a theatre and for rock concerts (Bilborock takes place here). Museums:
The
Guggenheim Museum: Avenida Abandoibarra, 2, 48001 Bilbao (Tel: 94 435
90 80). Metro: Moyúa, Bus: 1, 10, 13, 18. This contemporary art museum
belongs to the Guggenheim foundaton. The amazing Post-Modern building designed
by Frank Gehry, opened in 1997. It has a permanent collect of contemporary art
as well as temporary exhbitions. The building itself is spectacular and is covered
in titanium plaques to reflect the scales of a fish. It is located on the banks
of the Nervion. The museum is now Bilbao's most visited tourist attraction and
had gained world wide fame. This museum and El Marq in Alicante are the only two
museums in Spain to receive the European Museum of the Year award. The permanent
collection has works of art by: Anselm Keifer, Mario Merz, Richard Long, Richard
Serra, Louise Bourgeois, Jeff Koons, Fujiko Nakaya, Jenny Holzer... . .jpg) The
Fine Arts Museum: Museo de Bellas Artes, Pl. del Museo, 2, 48011 Bilbao (Tel:
94 439 60 60). This museum was set up by the Townhall and the Vizcayan government
and opened to the public in 1914. In 1924 the Modern Art Museum was created and
in 1945 both were merged and placed in the Palacete de los Museos del Parque.
Since then the museum has undergone various renovations the latest completed in
2001. Architects such Fernando Urrutia, Gonzalo Cárdenas, Segurola, Eugenio
Mª Aguinaga, Alvaro Líbano and Luis Mª Uriarte have all contributed.
The museums holds more than 6000 works of art including paintings, scultpures,
drawings and etchings dating from the 12th century to the present day some by
famous artists like Goya, El Greco, Murillo Ribera, Mengs, Tapiés, Moro,
Chillida, Zuloaga, Oteiza, Cézanne, Gauguin, Delanay, Kunisada...
Sala
Rekalde: Alameda Rekalde, 30, 48009 Bilbao (Tel: 94 406 87 55). This was set
up in 1991 with the objective of investigating contemporary art whether it be
Spanish or from abroad. Debates about art are held here as well as exhibitions,
films and conferences. The building covers 800m2 and is divided into exhibition
halls, study rooms and offices. The Archeological, Ethnological and Historic
Basque Mueum: Plaza Miguel de Unamuno, 4, 48006 Bilbao (Tel: 94 415 54 23).
This museum was opened in 1921. It is located in the old part (el Casco Viejo),
near the Ribera market and the Cathedral in a former Jesuit church (Baroque).
It holds a collection of artifacts from the Basque country dating from prehistoric
times to the present day. It has some temporary exhibitions as well as its permanent
collection.
The Maritime Museum Bilbao:
Muelle Ramón de la
Sota, 1, (Tel: 902 131 000).
This is located opposite the
Euskalduna Palace and has
exhibition rooms, an archive,
an auditorium, a shop and
a cafe. Very near the river.
Important buildings:
The Townhall: This neoclassic building with unusual features
was built by the architect Joaquín de Rucoba. It was completed in 1892.
The Arabic room is particularly interesting. You reach this building by crossing
the townhall bridge. Palacio de la Diputación (Council buildings):
Opened on 31st July 1900. This is an eclectic building by Luis Aladrén.
Inside you can see frescos by Anselmo Guinea. The windows are particularly interesting.
The Euskalduna Palace: Avenida Abandolbarra, 4, (Tel: 94 403 50 00)
This is both an auditorium and conference centre. It is located on the banks of
the river Nervión. A modern building, opened in 1999, made of steel and
glass, covering 25,000m2. Its architects were Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios.
It has 100 meeting rooms, an auditorium, a library, shops and a restaurant...
The Arriaga Theatre: Plaza de Arriga, 1 (Tel: 94 416 35 33). This was built
by Joaquín de Rucoba at the end of the 19th century in an eclectic style
with French influences. It offers a varied programme of events throughout the
year covering theatre, dance, music (opera and concerts). Located in the Arenal
park. it overlooks the PLaza de Arenal.
La Ribera Market: This was built in
1929 by Pedro de Ispizua and Susunaga. It has some very pretty glasswork. This
market is very good for its fresh fish and seafood.
Palacio Foral de Vizcaya:
Gran Vía, 21. This was built at the beginning of the 20th century by Luís
Aladrén. It consists of various architectural styles. Its interior decoration
is particularly interesting.
Chávarri Palace: Plaza de Moyua,
5. This is one fo the Vizcayan government buildings, it was built in 1894 by Atanasio
de Anduiza and Uribarri , with modernist touches. It was once home to the Chávarri
brothers who were well known engineers. It has an interesting marble facade in
different colours.
Plaza del Arenal: One of the focal points in the
city centre together with the Arenal park they both serve as a meeting place for
the young and old alike. Located in the old part (el Casco Viejo).
The
Stock Market: Located in the former Vargas palace. Built by Enrique Epalza
in 1905.
Metro: Opened in November 1995 and designed by Norman Foster.
Large, modern and efficient stations well worth a trip.
The Airport:
This is the result of a spectacular design by the architect Santiago Calatrava.
Located 10kms outside the city centre in Loiu.
Plaza de Toros de Vista
Alegre: Located in Indautxu. It was opened in 1962 and built by the architect
Luis Gana in a Neoarabic style. It has a capacity for 15,000 spectators.
La
Alhóndiga: Built by Ricardo de Bastida in 1909.
.jpg) Parks
and Gardens:
Arenal Park: Located on the banks of the Nervión
(righthand side). A meeting place for Bilbainos. The park has lots of different
types of trees from oaks, chestnut trees to lime trees (symbol of the city).
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park: Built between 1912-1920 in a French
style. It has lots of different types of trees, a lake with ducks, a band stand
which offers live music in the summer. It is the biggest park in Bilbao. There
are various statues of famous artists scattered throughout the park. There is
also a cybernet point in the park.
The Albia Gardens: Located in El
Ensanche. Very peaceful, surrounded by modern, elegant buildings. Some call the
gardend the the lungs of Bilbao. Fiestas and festivals: Semana
Grande: Bilbao's 'Semana Grande' (Aste Nagusia in Basque) are the city's largest
fiestas and take place for a week starting on 15th August, a day on which the
'virgen de la Asunción' is celebrated. The fiestas cover everything
from processions, free rock concerts and all night partying in the old part.
Santo Tomás: 21st December in the Plaza Nueva. This one day fiesta
takes the form of a typical traditional food market where all sorts of local products
can be tasted but especially 'chistorra' (pork sausage).
San Ignacio de Loyola:
31st July; Carnivals: (6 weeks before Easter week), Easter week... The
best restaurants in Bilbao and Vizcaya (click on restaurant names below
for detailed reviews): Cuisine:
Bilbao is well known for its cod dishes. It has always been one of the most popular
dishes to be served in the city and Basque cuisine is world famous for its quality
and expertise especially when it comes to cod. The reputation of Basque chefs
is well known throughout the world and many have international awards and Michelin
stars to their name. The Basque Country has an abundance of excellent raw
materials from meat, fish, seafood to fresh locally grown vegetables. Some typical
products which can be found here are green peppers and beans from Gernika, baby
squid, hake, sea bream, cod, clams, scorpion fish, sardines, anchovies, veal,
beef, pork... The best known dishes from Vizcaya include: 'Bacalao a
la Vizcaína' (Vizcayan cod), 'Merluza en salsa verde con almejas
y kokotxas' (hake with clams), 'Bacalao al pil-pil' (cod), 'Chipirones
en su tintia' (squid), 'Bacalao en salsa verde' (cod), 'Merluza
a la Bilbaína' (hake), 'Besugo a la brasa con ajos' (grilled
sea beam with garlic), 'Marmitako' (tuna fish stew), 'Cabracho a la
bilbaína' (scorpion fish), 'Merluza rebozada con pimientos rojos'
(battered hake with red peppers), 'Porrusalda de bacalao' (cod stew), 'Solomillo
de cerdo con salsa de queso Idiazábal' (pork with cheese from Idiazábal),
'Alubias rojas con morcilla' (red beans with black pudding), 'Alubias
blancas con pimientos choriceros' (white beans with pork sausage), 'Arroz
con mojones y chipirones' (rice with squid), 'Berza con patata' (cabbage
with potatoes)…For desserts you could try 'los Canutillos de Bilbao' or
'Arroz con leche'... Pintxos (Tapas): You can find delicious
pintxos (pronounced pinchos) which are like small tapas, but much more sophisticated,
in every bar in the city. Bilbainos like to have a pintxo and a zurito (a small
beer) at midday or a glass of wine. They also have something called "el chiqueteo"
which is something like a bar crawl where groups of friends (often from chldhood)
have either zuritos or small glasses of wine in a number of bars. The route and
the bars are the same everyday. Pintxos normally cost from 1 - 2 euros. There
are a lot of pintxo bars close together in the old part of Bilbao (el Casco
Viejo). Gastronomic Societies (Sociedades Gastronómicas):
These are very typical in the Basque Country. They are private societies where
members meet for meals. Only men are allowed to be members and until relatively
recently only men were allowed inside and still today there are strict rules that
only men are allowed in the kitchen. Nowadays most societies allow women to enter
as guests for a meal although there are still some where this is forbidden. Hotels
and Accommodation: See our Guide
to Hotels in Bilbao  The
Province of Vizcaya
Vizcaya Province is a green, fertile,
mountinous area of Spain where the climate is variable. It has a spectacular landscape.
There are a number of National Parks where adventure sports are very popular.
These are 'las Sierra de Gorbeia' and 'Urkiola', where
there is beautiful scenery and a rich mix of flora and fauna. You can go horse
riding, cycling, fishing, rafting, bungee jumping, hiking, paragliding...
The
Urdaibai Natural Reserve, near Bilbao, is a very rich natural area where you
can find many different species of birds, fish and animals...You can also do many
sports here such as diving, sailing, fishing, canoeing, surfing...The natural
parks include the following towns and villages: Gernika, Bustuna, Sukarrieta,
Mundaka, Bermeo, Kanala, Burritxana and Elautxobe. In 1993 it was declared a Biosphere
Reserve by UNESCO. Both participating in and watching sport is very popular
in Vizcaya as in the rest of the Basque Country. You can find all sorts of different
sports to either do or watch such as rowing, athletics, football, rugby, cycling...However
the Basque Country, also has some traditional sports that can only be found here
such as wood chopping competitions, lifting heavy blocks of stone. There is also
Basque pelota and cestapunta (a type of squash using a basket tied to your hand
where a ball is hit against a wall in a 'fronton' court... Places of
interest in the province: Gran Bilbao: This is an area covering
Bilbao and its surrounding areas covering the Nervión and Asúa Valleys.
Portugalete: Famous for the 'Puente de Vizcaya'. This is where
you can see the hanging bridge which was declared a World Heritage Site in July
2006. It links both Portugalete to Getxo. It was designed by Alberto de Palacio
in the 19th century and is currently used as a car ferry. Getxo:
Located on the righthand side of the Nervión. This is predominantly a residential
area. Of particular interest: Andra Mari church (12th century),Aixerrota Mill
(1727), Lezama-Leguizamón Palace (1901). It also has some good beaches:
Aizkorri, Barinatxe (with a blue flag) Duranguesado: The Ibaizabal
river basin.
Durango: Originally a medieval city which belonged to
the Kingdom of Navarra in 1187, The Castellano Kingdom of Castellano in 1297.
Of interest: Arco de Santa Ana (15th century), Santa Ana Church (15th century
- Baroque). Amorebieta-Etxano: Santa María Church (10th century),
Zornotza Tower (12th century) Ermua: Santiago Apostol Church (Renaissance
1600), Lobiano Palace (Renaissance 16th century) and the Valdespina Palace (Baroque
18th century). Lea-Artibai/la Marquina Area: Coastal areas which
incorporate the Lea and Artibai river basins.
Ondárroa:
It has a medieval old part (el Casco Antiguo) , Santa María church (Burgandian
15th century), Likona tower 15th centurys (San Ignacio de Loyola's mother was
born here). Leikeitio: Coastal fishing town, popular in summer. It
has some very good beaches. Beautiful scenery, some houses overhanging the river.
Of interest: Santa María de la Asunción church (gothic 15th century).
Bustuialdea-Urdaibai
(Gernika):Mundaka river estuary.
Gernika: A great symbol
of Basque history and the
scene of a horrific air attack
during the Spanish Civil War
which inspired Picass's famous
painting. For more information
on this important town see
Guide
to Guernica
Casa de las Juntas Gernika (The former
Basque Parliament building): Council meetings take place here. There is a museum,
an archive and an ancient church (Santa María de la Antigua) set within
the enclosure.
Baroque cross: 16th century, located in the neighbourhood
called Renteria.
Santimamiñe caves: Prehistoric caves located
in the Santimamiñe chapel.
La Casa de Nuestro Padre: Monument
dedicated to peace by Eduardo Chillida (1968). Churches: Santa María
(15th century), Santo Tomás (13th cenutury)
Palacio de la Alegría:
Now the Euskal-Herría museum (Baroque 17th century).
The Biosphere
reserve Urdaibai: (click here for more information). Bermeo:
This is a fishing village popular in the summer. Beautiful scenery. Of interest:
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe - a small island opposite which has a small chapel.
Mundaka: Coastal summer village. Beautiful scenery. Of interest: Santa
María church (11th century) and its beaches: Mundaka (popular for surfing),
Laidatxu and Bakio beach is very near.
Uribe in Munguía: Butrón valley. Las
Encartaciones: This is the most Western area of Vizcaya. Rich in fruit trees,
vineyards (where they grow grapes for Txacoli) and vegetables. Mountinous countryside.
Valle de Carranza: Pozalagua prehistoric caves. Zalla:
Of interest: This is a small city with 4 churches, 10 chapels, 7 palaces, La Casa
de Juntas de Avellaneda is also represented by a tree below which meetings used
to take place to decide what needed to be done in the area. Arratia-Nervión:
Arratia valley, Nervión and Ortuña river basin. Beaches
in Vizcaya: Getxo, Goritz, Lemoiz, Bermeo, Laga, Ea, Lekeitio, Aizkorri, Barinatxe
(all these are in Getxo and have been awarded the blue flag); Mundaka and Laidatxu
(both have blue flags and are in Mundaka) If you wish to contact us or
add any furhter information please write to us here: euroresi@euroresidentes.com
People intending to plan a visit to Vizcaya can also consult:
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