Founded in 1300, Bilbao is located in the north-central part of Spain, 15 km away from the coast and surrounded by mountains. This once industrial city started its transformation more than two decades ago, when Frank Gehry designed the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum, nowadays a symbol of the city.
Today though, this magnificent icon stands among other great architectural works, like the nearby Zubizuri bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, and the Azkuna Zentroa, a wine storage warehouse turned cultural centre. The city also has its share of beauties from the past, including a neo-baroque theatre, an art nouveau train station and several spectacular churches and cathedrals. This combination of styles is what makes the city so special.
Further information about the city and sounrroundings can be found at the official Tourism Office web site.
Staggering architecture, a venerable dining scene and stunning landscapes just outside the city centre: Bilbao is one of the great treasures of the Basque Country
Lonely Planet