Bilbao city guide 2017 ENG

B I L B A O

C I T Y B R E A K G E TA WAY S

B A S Q U E C O U N T RY

Some say that the Ría Estuary does not belong to Bilbao, rather that Bilbao belongs to the Ría. The city's history is inextricably intertwined with it. We recommend a walk along its shores to reach its mouth. This is the best way to get close to what has always been and still remains the life force of the city

EXPE RIEN CE TOP

t is important to know what a vital role the Ría has played in Bilbao's development. In fact, it is considered one of the economic driving forces in

the Arenal was a key area, a place to wander around on your tour of the Casco Viejo. This is where the estuary deposited its sands, creating a large beach from which the fishermen launched their vessels. The fact that it was navigable as far as Portugalete enabled the port of Bilbao to be located on one of its tributaries until the mid '80s. Important shipbuilders plied their trade along its quays. By moving the main port activity to the mouth of the estuary, they have freed up lots of areas for urban regeneration If you would like to see the port in action today, you have to go to Getxo, Zierbena and Santurtzi. However, the Ría still holds pride of place in the city, now offering leisure activities for everybody to enjoy.

Bilbao from the Ría

the Basque Country. Its marine history, its iron and steel industry, its commercial activity... All of these owe their origins to the strategic location and the navigability of the Ría. To state it clearly, the founding of the city and port are one and the same thing. Boats and ships used to sail up it as far as the San Antón Bridge, which is exactly where the city walls stood. At that time,

Would you like to see Bilbao from a unique perspective and travel up the Ría to the mouth of the estuary? You will discover a new way to appreciate the design of the city's buildings, its emblematic landmarks and the surrounding areas.

www.basquecountrytourism.net

S A N A N T Ó N

13