| Although there are no data to chronologically establish the origins of Bilbao, the archaeological remains found in the city show the existence of a town earlier than the ‘Villa’, the population of which was settled on either side of the Nervión river, which was engaged in fishing and mining and treating iron. The history of Bilbao as such starts in the Middle Ages when it arises as a centre devoted to trade and began to develop in early medieval times.
This marine and mercantile settlement became a ‘Villa’ when Diego López de Haro V, Lord of Bizkaia, on 15th June 1300 in Valladolid granted the Foundational People’s Charter to this centre, which began to become one of the main centres of Biscay life, taking over from Bermeo, which was already a Villa, as the most important municipality in the Dominion.
What you must not miss:
• Guggenheim Museum
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Arriaga Theatre
• Santiago Cathedral
• Fuente del Perro
• Santos Juanes Church |
