St. James' Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Casco Viejo, Spain
Description
St. James' Cathedral is a Gothic structure in Bilbao's old town, rising about 64 meters with intricate stone work throughout its exterior. Inside, it contains fifteen chapels and a medieval cloister surrounded by finely carved decorative elements.
History
The cathedral was built in the early 1400s, predating Bilbao's own foundation, reflecting the area's medieval religious importance. It received cathedral status only in 1955 after centuries of serving as a parish church.
Culture
The cathedral serves as a key point on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route and anchors Bilbao's role in one of Europe's oldest spiritual journeys. Today, pilgrims from across the world pass through its doors, making it a meeting place where different cultures and faiths intersect.
Practical
The cathedral sits in the bustling old quarter with good connections to other historic sites and is easily reached on foot. Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter conditions and better lighting to appreciate the stone details.
Did you know?
The exterior walls feature carved stone depicting local merchants from different eras, creating a visual record of Bilbao's trade history. These sculptural portraits offer rare glimpses into the city's economic development and social life across centuries.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Bilbao).
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...
Fuente del Perro
107 m
Casa Artekale, 21
66 m
Anexo A La Iglesia De Santiago
50 m
Casa Tenderia 44
77 m
Casa Tenderia 42
81 m
Casa Plazuela De Santiago 4
56 m
Casa Loteria 2
84 m
Casa Artekale 40
79 m
Fuente De Paret
48 m
Casa Tenderia 32
54 m
Casa Plazuela De Santiago 5
59 m
Casa Artekale 23
62 m
Casa Artekale 41
68 m
Casa Correo 23
63 m
Casa Artekale 32
78 m
Casa Correo 20
88 m
Casa Artekale 54
101 m
Casa Carniceria Vieja 29
54 m
Casa Torre 9
89 m
Casa Tenderia 30
42 m
Casa Artekale 50
90 m
Casa Artekale 52
96 m
Casa Artekale 26
83 m
Casa Barrenkale 29
91 m
Casa Tenderia 22
52 m
Casa Tenderia 28
41 m
Casa Tenderia 38
64 m
Casa Tenderia 46
83 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes