Basque Country Tourist Guide

THE BASQUE COUNTRY

BILBAO

f any city is a benchmark for tourists it is unquestionably Bilbao . You will be surprised by its conversion from an industrial centre into a model city designed for living. Everything began with the Guggenheim Bilbao. Neither Frank Gehry's stunning architecture nor the varied art gallery with its incomparable display of contemporary art will leave you indifferent.

FOSTERITO

“Fosteritos” is the name affectionately given to the unique street-level subway entrances. Take a trip on it. Philippe Starck will also take you by surprise with La Alhóndiga (the Cornhouse), once a wine warehouse and now a multicultural centre.

Puppy

You can take a break in a lovely green space surrounded by design... the Avenida de Abandoibarra , a lively venue where tourists mix with the local people to share a pleasant moment. Take the chance to visit the Bellas Artes Museum (Art Gallery) with its collection of El Greco, Sorolla, Gauguin and Zurbarán among many others. On El Ensanche avant garde buildings coexist with the elegance of those erected by the new bourgeoisie: the modernist La Concordia Station, the Palacio de la Diputación (provincial Council building) in the Gran Vía, the superb Café Iruña next to the Jardines de Albia, and the Teatro Campos Elíseos, among others. On Abando, Gran Vía, Indautxu and the Old Quarter you can immerse yourself in the modern Bilbao shopping experience known for its elegance, quality and international fashion houses.

LA ALHONDIGA

Bilbao has opted for design as the basis of its renovation as a city The Torre Iberdrola by César Pelli, the highest in the Basque Country, and the Torres Isozaki also figure among these signature works. Don't miss the chance to cross the Santiago Calatrava bridge opposite, the Zubizuri . Another of his masterpieces is the airport terminal, known as La Paloma (the Dove), due to its resemblance to a bird about to take flight.

The international projection of Bilbao provoked by the "Guggenheim effect" is unquestionable. You will find its mascot, Puppy , the floral dog by Jeff Koons, guarding the building. A snapshot with the faithful watchdog is a must. But the change goes much deeper than an iconic building: the result is a city that has reinvented itself... Starting with the metro, where Sir Norman Foster combines architecture and engineering to masterly effect.

www.bilbaoturismo.net

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