Casco Viejo, Medieval district in Bilbao, Spain.
Description
Casco Viejo is a medieval district in Bilbao featuring seven parallel streets lined with traditional Basque buildings that have decorative balconies and stone façades. The Santiago Cathedral and Plaza Nueva serve as the main landmarks to help visitors navigate through the narrow streets.
History
This neighborhood began in the 14th century as Bilbao's first urban development, built near the Nervión River to support maritime trade. The early settlement grew into a major commercial hub due to its favorable location for shipping and commerce.
Culture
The La Ribera Market remains the heart of daily life, where vendors sell fresh produce, fish, and regional specialties to locals who come here regularly. People gather and chat at the stalls, making it a true meeting place for the neighborhood.
Practical
The narrow streets are easy to walk through, though visitors should watch for slippery stones, especially during rain which is common in the region. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, and arriving early in the day helps avoid crowds.
Did you know?
Each of the original seven streets keeps its medieval appearance while hosting hundreds of pintxo establishments where locals and visitors gather. This blend of old architecture and active food culture is what draws people back to explore every corner.
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Plaza Nueva
230 m
Church of los Santos Juanes, Bilbao
149 m
Euskal Museoa
184 m
Museo Arqueológico, Etnográfico e Histórico Vasco
214 m
Archaeological Museum
247 m
Euskaltzaindia's headquarters
269 m
Agirre Lehendakariaren jaiotetxea
156 m
Mallona Galtzada
239 m
Casa Calzadas De Mallona 3
278 m
Casa Askao 27
240 m
Casa Plaza Nueva 12
271 m
Casa Askao 23
267 m
Casa Plaza Nueva 6
194 m
Casa Ronda 33
137 m
Casa Askao 15
293 m
Casa Askao 11
306 m
Casa Calzadas De Mallona 13 - 15
345 m
Casa Maria Muñoz 6
200 m
Museo Pasos de Semana Santa
297 m
Casa Calzadas De Mallona 9
316 m
Casa Calzadas De Mallona 1
270 m
Casa Correo 7
190 m
Casa Correo 11
169 m
Casa Plaza Nueva 2
235 m
Casa Askao 19
280 m
Casa Maria Muñoz 2
176 m
Casa Askao 25
255 m
Casa Askao 21
273 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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