The Top 10 Things to See & Do in Casco Viejo, Bilbao

Plaza Nueva (also called Plaza Barria, meaning ‘new square’) takes its name in reference to what used to be Plaza Vieja, the “old square” that once stood on the current site of La Ribera. Built in 1821 in neoclassical style, Plaza Nueva is surrounded by arches, called cuevas, and beautiful arcaded buildings. The main building in the square used to be the seat of the Biscay government, which was the historical province of Bilbao. A new palace was built to replace that building in 1890, and this is now the site of Euskaltzaindia, the Basque language Royal Academy. Many of the oldest traditional taverns and restaurants of the city can be found by peeking through Plaza Nueva’s many cuevas. (If you stop in the taverns, don’t miss the opportunities to try pintxos, Bilbao’s version of the Spanish tapas, usually made with a small slice of bread topped with some amazing local ingredients.) Don’t miss the flea market that takes place here each Sunday morning, selling old books, coins, stamps, flowers, and even birds.

You’ll find the Euskaltzaindia palace while exploring the Plaza Nueva. The Basque name Euskaltzaindia literally means ‘group of keepers of the Basque language’, but it is most often used to indicate the Royal Academy of the Basque language. This is the official academic language regulatory institution charged with protecting the ancient Basque language, while also conducting linguistic research and establishing the modern, standard use. Euskaltzaindia was established around 1918, during the renaissance of the Basque language, which around that time was being recognized as a central cultural value deserving protection and further promotion. Today, Basque language is spoken by about 27% of Basque in northern Spain and also southwestern France.

Mercado de la Ribera is the biggest covered market in Europe, spanning a total area of 10,000 square meters. Since 1929, every day more than 60 local merchants set up shop here to sell traditional fresh products such as meat, fish and groceries in the many stalls lined inside. One area of the market is completely dedicated to the local farmers’ products. The interior of the Ribera market is a completely open space, often aglow from the natural light that pours down through the ceiling and reflects off the translucent floor. On the outside, the market is decorated in Art Deco style and with floral decorations which give the windows a particular delicate beauty. In 1990, the Ribera market was recognized as the most comprehensive food market in the world by the Guinness Book of Records.

Portal de Zamudio is a space of 800 square meters located between calle Tenderia, calle Somera and calle La Cruz, from which it is possible to access the church Iglesia de los Santos Juanes. The area takes its name from one of the portals that gave access to the Casco Viejo through the old walls that protected it. Another portal, Portal be Ibeni, is located in the Axturi neighbourhood, which used to be a suburb south of the old walled town. Today, Portal de Zamudio is a lovely area where many locals and tourists criss-cross paths while strolling around the Casco Viejo, with a scattering of benches and a fountain for those who’d like to pause and rest.

The Iglesia de San Antón, dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great, is such an important site in Bilbao that it bears the city’s own coat of arms. Built at the end of the 15th century, this church was one of the few buildings that maintained elements of pure Gothic style – especially impressive since it had to be rebuilt many times after numerous floods, given its position nearby the Nervión river. These Gothic elements include the church’s distinctive pointed arches and rib vaulting. However, other parts of the church vary in style. The façade embodies the Renaissance style of the 16th century, while the arches of the entryway are built in Romanesque style. This variety of styles can be explained with the many religious reforms the church survived throughout Bilbao’s history.
Ribera, 24, Bilbao, Biscay, Spain

Another important historical church of the Casco Viejo of Bilbao is the Iglesia de San Nicolás, dedicated to the saint patron of sailors. Dating back to the 18th century, this church was built in mid-Baroque style. Its most particular feature is its octagonal floor plan and octagonal dome. This church was designed by the local architect Ignacio Ibero, who planned it on a Greek cross shape set in a square – a design that was very unusual, especially for the time.
Iglesia de San Nicolás, Plaza de San Nicolás, s/n, Bilbao, Spain, +34 944 16 34 24