Bilbao's old town
The Vieux centre de Bilbao, also called Zazpikale, is a historic quarter made up of narrow stone-paved streets and buildings dating back centuries. The streets run between Plaza Nueva and the Ria river and are now pedestrian-only, lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and the large Ribera Market which sells fresh local products.
The quarter developed over 700 years ago as a fishing and trading center, originally surrounded by walls with three parallel streets. In the 18th century the walls were demolished and four new streets were built, creating the current Siete Calles layout, though the area was severely damaged by floods in 1983 and later rebuilt with care.
The old center, known as Zazpikale, was historically the main trading and fishing hub of the city. Today locals gather in the narrow streets and small squares to sit at cafes, enjoy traditional pintxos in bars, and experience the neighborhood's daily rhythm where past and present blend naturally.
The quarter has been entirely pedestrian since 1979, making it easy to explore the narrow streets without worrying about traffic. The best way to experience the place is to walk through the streets at a leisurely pace, stop at one of the many bars for food, or sit on a small square and watch the everyday activity around you.
The quarter was almost completely destroyed by devastating floods in 1983, yet residents rebuilt it with remarkable determination while preserving its authentic character. This recovery makes Zazpikale an example of how a community can bounce back from disaster and maintain its soul.
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