Bilbao Landmarks and Monuments

(Bilbao, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain)

Many of the most notable landmarks in the Bilbao area are converted private residences which now house important societies and institutions. Some of the main landmarks and monuments in Bilbao include the Vizcayan Civil Government in Bilbao's Palacio de Chávarri, the Athletic Club de Bilbao in the Palacio de Ibaigane, and the Palacio de Olábarri o Palacete del Puerto Autónomo, headquarters of the Bilbao Port Authority.

Other impressive landmarks in the Bilbao include a number of eye-catching bridges, such as the Puente Colgante (Colgante Bridge), and Bilbao's famous Puente de San Antón (San Antón Bridge).

Ayuntamiento de Bilbao (City Hall)

Address: Plaza Ernesto Erkoreka, Bilbao, Vizcaya, 48007, Spain
Tel: +34 94 420 4200
Standing alongside the scenic estuary, in the Old Quarter area, the Ayuntamiento de Bilbao is a grand city hall, which dates back to the 1890s. With a grand Baroque-style façade and many impressive features, the interior is equally impressive and contains an imposing staircase and lavish décor. Guided tours of the building are available in the mornings.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 12:00
Admission: free

Edificio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya

Address: Gran Via, 25, Bilbao, 48009, Spain
Standing close to the Plaza Circular, the Edificio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya is an impressive building, constructed at the end of the 19th century. Home to the Statutory Deputation of Vizcaya, the building features tremendous attention to detail, with many intricate stone carvings and a number of beautiful frescoes.
Open hours: by arrangement
Admission: free

Puente Colgante (Colgante Bridge)

Address: Plaza Subiko, Las Arenas, Bilbao, 48990, Spain
Tel: +34 94 480 1012
Listed as an important heritage site, the Puente Colgante lies on Bilbao's outskirts and is a grand iron bridge with a moving mechanical platform which transports both people and vehicles across the river. Built at the end of the 19th century, the bridge connects the Getxo and Portugalete areas and features magnificent views from the elevators and guided tours.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Puente de San Antón (San Antón Bridge)

Address: Iglesia de San Antón, Bilbao, 48005, Spain
One of the most notable bridges in Bilbao, the Old Quarter's Puente de San Antón is a historic structure, which has been rebuilt and renovated over the years. An emblem often associated with Bilbao, the San Antón Bridge is a major crossing point and stands close to the popular San Anton Church (Iglesia de San Antón).
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Palacio de Chávarri

Address: Plaza Moyua, Bilbao, 48009, Spain
The official home of the Vizcayan Civil Government, known locally as the Gobierno Civil de Vizcaya, this important building combines a number of architectural styles and features. Opened in the 1890s, the palace was originally built for Bilbao businessman Victor Chavarri and is one of the most notable landmarks around the Plaza Moyua, featuring double-sloping roofs, balconies and windows in all shapes and sizes.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Palacio de Ibaigane

Address: Alameda Mazarredo, 23, Bilbao, 48009, Spain
Tel: +34 94 424 0877
Famous for being the home of the Athletic Club de Bilbao (the Bilbao soccer team Athletic Club), an important society founded in the early 1900s, the Palacio de Ibaigane is close to the Plaza Circular. Originally the grand residence of Ramón de la Sota, a local Basque businessman, the palace contains many impressive period features and a large hall of trophies.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 06:00 to 18:30
Bilbao landmark admission:

Palacio de Olábarri o Palacete del Puerto Autónomo

Address: Campo Volantin, 37, Bilbao, 48007, Spain
This attractive palace stands in the Paseo del Campo Volantin area of Bilbao and was built in the 1890s. Housing the official headquarters of the Bilbao Port Authority, the palace was previously a grand family residence for local businessman, José Maria de Olábarri.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Catedral de Santiago (Santiago Cathedral)

Address: Plaza de Santiago 1, Bilbao, 48005, Spain
Tel: +34 94 415 3627
One of the oldest sights in the Old Quarter of Bilbao, Santiago Cathedral dates back to the 16th century and features Gothic-style architecture, with many outstanding period features. Standing on the Plaza de Santiago, the cathedral offers regular masses throughout the week, with a spacious and historic interior. Much of Bilbao's grand cathedral is mow obscured by more modern buildings nearby.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Santa y Real Casa de la Misericordia

Address: Sabino Arana, 2, Bilbao, 48013, Spain
Tel: +34 94 441 1900
Located in Bilbao's Indautxu neighbourhood, the Santa y Real Casa de la Misericordia is an eye-catching landmark, in the Plaza del Sagrado Corazón. Opened in the early 1870s, this building was originally built for the poor and features Neo-classical architecture and gardens.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 21:00
Admission: free