St. James' Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Casco Viejo, Spain
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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