Bilbao as the Regional Industrial Center that Attracts More and More Tourists…
Bilbao is the capital of Basque region and it is also the largest city in it. About half a million people live in Bilbao. This is a city with a relatively mild climate, the so-called oceanic climate. This climate is characterized with not so high and not so low temperatures round the year.
Bilbao was founded in 1300. In the beginning, it was a village that was founded by Lord of Biscay. The meaning of the word Bilbao is unknown. However, historians believe that Bilbao in ancient Spanish means ‘good river crossing’. Bilbao has two magnificent churches: the gothic church -Basilica de Begoña and the baroque church – San Nicolás. There are many other historical monuments in Bilbao. There is also the Town hall, which is made in the typical neo-baroque style. It dates from the 19th century.
Bilbao, say thanks to the architect Frank Gehry!
Bilbao has been an industrial city for centuries. Today, the city’s government is trying to make Bilbao a tourist center. This idea was born thanks to the construction of the Guggenheim Museum, which became a global attraction. There are more and more people who want to see this magnificent creation from 1997. There is a sculpture called Puppy in front of the museum. It is actually a huge dog made of flowers! The museum has an area of 24,000 square meters and it is situated on the river bank. The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Besides this titanic Museum, there are more museums in Bilbao -Museum of Fine Arts, The Artistic Reproductions Museum, The Zezen Museum and the Sacred Arts Museum.
Can it be more unique?
This city even has its own language. Basque language has an unknown origin, but it is spoken by half a million people. The numbers of schools where children can learn the Basque language have increased. These schools have a specific name- Ikastolas.
Bilbao in the process of modernization
The city has just recently got a metro.
Unfortunately, Bilbao has been the industry center for many years, and that it why it is polluted today. Many large companies continue to invest in this city. However, with every passing day, Bilbao becomes more of a tourist than industrial center. The city government does everything to fix these problems.
Next time you are planning your trip, you sure know where to drop in!