Basilica of Begoña dominates the city from its hilltop location. It dates from the 16th Century and its most outstanding feature is the Renaissance-style main entrance. The main altar is an important example of the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture. The Basilica attracts tourists, agnostics and believers alike. No tourist visits are allowed during mass.
Gran Vía Don Diego Lopez de Haro, better known as simply Gran Vía, is one of Bilbao's main drags. The street begins at the famed Plaza Circular and runs northeast all the way to the Plaza del Sagrado Corazon. Gran Vía runs by many of the city's most famous attractions like the Plaza Moyua and the Palacio Chavarrí. A visit to the Gran Vía is almost impossible to miss during a trip to Bilbao.
The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum houses one of Spain's most important modern art collections that includes work by the best Basque painters along with an excellent display of Gothic art as well as fine examples of the Dutch and Flemish schools. The museum also hosts classical music concerts and its cinema offers a program of Spanish and foreign language films. The Chillida Hall can be used to organize business meetings and conferences.You'll find it in the midst of the peaceful and pretty Doña Casilda Park.
This eclectically designed building, built by Severino Achucarro in 1888, was initially home to the historic and liberal Society called El Sitio. That was until 1937, when it was taken over by General Franco's government and later sold to the Bilbao Council. Its ballroom, today a lecture hall, located on the top floor, regularly hosts concerts and conferences. Opposite this area is a place called The Daily Life Room, which houses all the very latest publications. On the floor below is found the main study and reference room, next to a smaller one used for exhibitions. This library, through whose doors some of the most renowned personalities of European cultural life have passed, is not out of touch with modern times and has a computer room on the ground floor which anyone can use freely to surf the net.
Das Stadion San Mamés wurde am 21. August 1913 mit einem Match zwischen Atletic Bilbao und Irún Racing eröffnet und liegt direkt in Bilbaos Stadtrandbezirk (Ensanche), sehr nah am Gebäude "La Feria Internacional de Muestras de Bilbao". Dieser mythische Club in Bilbao feierte 1998 seine Eröffnung mit einer Feier, bei der das Stadion, welches in der Region auch "die Kathedrale" genannt wird, der Hauptprotagonist ist. Mit Platz für über 40.000 Personen versammelt das Stadion San Mamés bei jedem Spiel zahlreiche Fans, die für den Sieg ihrer Löwen (so werden die Spieler genannt) leben. Das Stadion ist eine technisch beeindruckende Struktur, dessen großer Bogen eines der bekanntesten Symbole der Stadt ist. Auf dem Weg zum San Mamés Stadion sollte man die Bars in Calle Licenciado Poza unbedingt vor und nach den Matches besuchen und ihre einzigartige Atmosphäre genießen.
Museo Guggenheim Bilbao's first exhibit included a collection of over 250 examples of cubist, futurist, constructivist and other 20th-century art movements. The museum features a permanent collection of late 20th-century art spotlighting more of the century's best creative talents including young Basque and Spanish artists. Famous works include those by renowned artists like Richard Serra, Willem de Kooning, and Clyfford Still. Frank Gehry designed this complex with spectacular curtains of glass, stone curves, titanium and glass walls, walkways hanging from the ceiling, transparent elevators and immense open spaces that offer a mesmerizing foil for the avant-garde art it houses.
Situated in La Esperanza street, just behind San Nicolas de Bari church, the Begoña elevator stands out within the urban aesthetic of Bilbao's old quarter (Casco Viejo). Built in 1949 by the architect Rafael Frontan this unusual means of transport takes you from the lowest to the highest point of the city in a very short time. We can take advantage of this trip to go to the Basilica or Our Lay of Begoña or look over to Echevarria. Check website for tariffs and other details.
Galería Bozzetto is a treasure trove of art and the walls of this quaint gallery epitomize the ideal of beauty. A host of temporary exhibitions by local artists take you on a journey through Basque art and the motifs and styles that grace its forms. Aquatints and etchings make for a fascinating display, while a host of permanent artists take the cake with their grasp of the Basque culture. Do not miss if you seek to gain more insights into local traditions and mores. Call them for more details on current and upcoming events.
Established in 1971, Galería Bay-Sala is the brainchild of Spanish artist, Juan Bay Sala's son, Juan Bayón. This reputed gallery is known for its solo as well as group exhibitions featuring a wide range of regional artists. Primarily focusing on figurative art, this compact gallery showcases quality watercolor artworks that will surely impress you.
Enjoy the color and culture of Spanish theater at the San Agustin KG in Durango. This local theater puts up a variety of shows that highlight local talent and produces a mix of culture and art. From dramas to comedies, folk stories to Spanish classics, this theater has something for every taste. The theater also participates in local theater festivals and plays host to many touring productions. So if you're looking for a bit of local entertainment while in Durango, book seats at the San Agustin KG.
Beleza Malandra Ateneo Kulturala has a character of its own which is quite endearing. With bright walls done up with caricatures of musicians and a laid back atmosphere and books laid out in one corner, this is not only a book lovers nook but also a performing space for many local bands and artists. Established in 2011, it is located in the coastal town of Bermeo and is a regular hub for live gigs.
The Teatro de Barakaldo is in the Baracaldo area, just ten minutes from Bilbao. The cultural program offered by this theater is very varied, ranging from traditional theatrical productions to musicals and dance. All kinds of productions are performed at the Teatro Barakaldo. Performers have included great comedians such as Academica Palanca and the Golde Appel Quartet. Spanish and foreign companies have performed the works of renowned Spanish playwrights such as Lope de Vega and Federico Garcia Lorca. The Baracaldo also puts on musicals, including opera, Spanish-style musical comedies, performances by singer-songwriters, and folk, gospel and the like, every year. Sometimes it puts on magic shows too, which are a complete hit with the kids. Check website for more details.