Casco Viejo, Medieval district in Bilbao, Spain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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