Church of San Francisco de Asís, Bilbao, Gothic Revival church in Abando district, Bilbao, Spain
The Church of San Francisco de Asís is a Gothic Revival sandstone church in the Abando district of Bilbao, recognizable by its two tall towers and a large rose window on the main facade. Inside, the building is divided into three long naves separated by slender pillars.
Work on the church began in 1890, designed by architect Luis de Landecho, and unfolded in several phases over the following decades. The two towers were finished in 1906, after which the rose window and interior fittings were gradually added.
The stained glass windows were made in Munich and the mosaics came from Venice, showing how far the patrons reached to decorate the building. Saint Francis of Assisi appears as the central figure in these works, giving the interior a clear devotional focus.
The church sits near Abando metro station and is easy to reach on foot from the city center. The main entrance is above street level and reached by climbing an outdoor staircase, so be prepared for a few steps before entering.
The sandstone used to build the church was quarried from Mount Oiz, near Bilbao, giving the building a local origin that is not immediately obvious from the outside. The church is also listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering Bilbao's Old Town, even though it stands in a newer district.
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