La Salve, Cable-stayed bridge near Guggenheim Museum, Spain.
La Salve is a cable-stayed bridge crossing the Nervión River with green concrete supports and steel decking. A prominent red arch designed by Daniel Buren defines its visual character.
The bridge opened in 1972 and was Spain's first cable-stayed bridge. This marked a turning point in Spanish engineering innovation.
The bridge name comes from sailors who prayed to Virgin Begoña when they spotted the basilica tower while returning from sea voyages. This connection to maritime heritage remains part of how people understand this place today.
Two elevators connect the riverbank to the bridge deck, making crossing convenient for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge offers good accessibility for different types of travelers.
The red arch was installed to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the nearby Guggenheim Museum. Since then, this addition has become essential to how both buildings are seen together.
Location: Bilbao
Official opening: January 9, 1972
Elevators: 2
GPS coordinates: 43.26938,-2.93180
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Bilbao combines contemporary art with Gothic architecture and offers visitors insight into Basque culture and history. The Guggenheim Museum draws art enthusiasts from around the world with its sculptural titanium facade, while the Fine Arts Museum houses a significant collection of classical and modern works. The Mercado de la Ribera, an Art Nouveau structure on the riverfront, is Europe's largest covered market and showcases the region's culinary traditions. The old quarter clusters around the Gothic Cathedral of St. James and Plaza Nueva, whose 19th-century arcades shelter bars and restaurants. Along the Nervión, historic bridges like Arenal Bridge and modern structures like Zubizuri Bridge connect both riverbanks. The Begoña Basilica sits above the city and provides views across the rooftops and hills. The Arriaga Theatre and Euskalduna Palace represent different architectural periods, while Azkuna Zentroa repurposes an early 20th-century wine warehouse as a cultural center. The Artxanda funicular railway enables panoramic views across the entire urban area and surrounding mountains.
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