Biscay, Province in Basque Country, Spain
Biscay is a province in the Basque Country that stretches from mountain ranges to the Bay of Biscay coastline, with Bilbao as its largest city. The territory includes steep green hills inland, narrow river valleys, and a rocky shoreline dotted with small fishing ports.
The area emerged as an independent lordship in medieval times and grew into one of Spain's main industrial centers during the 1800s through iron ore extraction and steel mills. The factories drew workers from across the country and reshaped the river valleys permanently.
Along the coast, fishermen still speak Euskara while selling their catch at the morning markets, where visitors find fresh anchovies and salt cod displayed on ice. In the inland valleys, farmers bring sheep cheese and vegetables to weekly markets held in stone-paved town squares.
Most visitors arrive through the airport near Bilbao or by train from other Spanish cities. Those exploring the coastal villages and mountain valleys should consider renting a car, as public transport runs less frequently in those areas.
In the hills around Gernika stands an old assembly oak tree where regional representatives met to make decisions for centuries. Today a young oak grows there as a direct successor to the original tree destroyed during the civil war.
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