Tradition and innovation

Bilbao’s historical heritage reflects the evolution of a city that has, over the centuries, successfully balanced tradition, its industrial character and its contemporary architecture. From its origins as a trading and port town to its urban transformation, Bilbao has preserved spaces and buildings that tell the story of each stage of its history.

In Bilbao’s Old Town, the medieval layout of the Seven Streets includes some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Santiago Cathedral, the Plaza Nueva and the Mercado de la Ribera. On the banks of the estuary, former industrial sites now stand alongside architectural landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a symbol of the city’s regeneration.

Bridges, palaces, markets and historic buildings make Bilbao a city where the past and the present are in constant dialogue, showcasing its identity and its capacity to transform.