History Of Bilbao

Origins

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’. This provision was given to protect the port and its burgeoning commercial interests from  fighting among rival lords.

Camino de Santiago

Bilbao’s next great boon came in 1315, when 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, with countries such as  
Northern Europe and the Mediterranean trading with Bilbao . 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. It reached a new peak of size and population in 1483, when El Arenal emerged and the old city centre was expanded with four new roads and the magnificent Cathedral de Santiago. The next two centuries saw continued maritime expansion, as trading increased.

Bilbao at war

Unfortunately, Bilbao has also seen its share of fighting and war, a legacy that continues today. One of the first disturbances was in 1631, caused by the state monopoly on salt. The ‘Matxinada’ followed in 1717, when the state tried to establish customs houses in the Basque ports. The French occupation, the War of Independence, the first and second Carlist Wars, in which Bilbao was the prime objective, and finally the Spanish Civil War of 1936 have all given this region of Spain a particularly independent spirit.

Bilbao Industrialisation

As industrialisation arrived in the mid-19th century, a bleak transformation took over the city. Uncontrolled growth, in both population and urban sprawl, wreaked environmental and cultural havoc in the area. With the rivers devoid of life and the air choked with pollution, Bilbao became known as a place to avoid. Yet the architecture remained and sites such as the Teatro Arriaga, Alhondiga and the mansions of Neguri sat waiting for revival.  

Bilbao Modern History

Bilbao’s modern history has seen the birth of many cultural societies such as ‘la Bilbaina’, which seek to restore the open, culturally elegant roots of the city and its people. Luckily, today, there’s not much left of the depressing industrial wasteland that blighted its character for most of a century. Having always been considered an artistic city, Bilbao has produced authors such as Unamuno, painters like Zuloaga and musicians such as Juan Crisostomo Arriaga

Bilbao Today

Today, the city has embraced this cultural legacy, which can be seen in the staggering number of ongoing projects. The centerpiece, of course, is the Guggenheim Museum . Designed by Frank O Gehry, this museum has been called one of the most amazing pieces of contemporary architecture in the 20th century. Other projects include 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 and enlightenment of this historical Basque city. The inhabitants have embraced this revival with enthusiasm and passion, with Bilbao is reaping the benefits.