Palacio Olabarri

Palacio Olabarri is a residential palace on Campo Volantín in Bilbao that blends French and English architectural styles with ornate facades. The building stands directly on the banks of the Ibaizabal River and features detailed decorative elements throughout its exterior.

Architect Julián Zubizarreta Usatorre designed and built the structure between 1894 and 1897 as a residence for businessman José María Olabarri Massino. Its completion coincided with Bilbao's economic boom when the city was expanding rapidly as an industrial center.

The palace shows how wealthy industrialists of Bilbao expressed their power and status through elaborate architecture and refined design. The ornate facade reflected the prosperity that the city had gained from its factories and port activities.

The building now houses the headquarters of the Port Authority of Bilbao and is located at Campo Volantín 37. Moyúa metro station is very close by, making it easy to reach the location by public transport.

The palace is one of the few surviving residential palaces built on Campo Volantín during the industrialization period. This rare example offers insight into the building habits of Bilbao's wealthiest families during this transformative time.

Location: Bilbao

Inception: 1894

Architects: Julián Zubizarreta Usatorre

GPS coordinates: 43.26911,-2.92972

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:41