Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo

The Casco Viejo is the heart of the original medieval city and thus the oldest part of Bilbao.

History: The founders of Bilbao, more than 700 years ago, were engaged in port trade, as the estuary served them as a means of communication with the outside world while the other part of the city was dedicated to mining activity.

City walls were built and, from the 13th century, seven main streets, 4 of which run perpendicular to the river, and make what is known today as the “Siete Calles”.

Buildings: The Casco Viejo is a large tangle of colorful streets, on the banks of the Nervion estuary. This lively neighborhood is home to numerous historical monuments. The Santiago Cathedral, founded in the 14th century, offers a good example of the neo-gothic style and the other churches such as San Antón, San Nicolás or Santos Juanes stand out for their imposing architecture. The Plaza Nueva is the nerve center of Casco Viejo, with a wide variety of bars and restaurants. The Basque and Archaeological museums are also very interesting. If you wish, you can take a detour to discover the Kiosko Arsenal, the Arriaga theater, the Ribeira market or the Portal de Zamudio.

Bars and restaurants: Casco Viejo is also home to many traditional bars (such as Taberna Iñakiren, Bar Motrikes, Bar Jaunak or Bar Baste) and restaurants, the best of which are located in Plaza Nueva or Siete Calles.

The Casco Viejo is thus a neighborhood full of conviviality and a place full of history.