Bilbao
Bilbao Bilbao, (Bilbo or Bilbao in Basque), in the North of Spain, is the largest city in the Basque Country, and is the capital of the province of Biscay. History Bilbao has its roots in the sea and the river estuary, two natural forces which have shaped the history and importance of this Spanish settlement. Bilbao first appeared on the map in 1300 AD, when the tiny port town was given the special status of ‘villa’ by Lord Biscay Diego Lopez de Haro, who was known as ‘the intruder’. In 1315 King Alfonso XI included the town along the path of the Camino de Santiago. This allowed Bilbao to reach new economic heights, as it grew into an important trading port for Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. New shipyards were built and the town steadily grew, benefiting from new cultural input and the arrival of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. In 1483 the old city centre was expanded with the addition of four new roads and the magnificent Cathedral de Santiago. Today, cultural growth continues with a host of new projects, such as the Guggenheim Museum and the innovative Metro line system, which was designed by Norman Foster. New bridges, trams, towers, luxury hotels and reclamation of the town’s river estuary all testify to the rebirth of this historical Basque city. What to See & Do in Bilbao