Bilbao, more than Spain

Although located in the country of the Spanish, the city we are going to be talking about today boasts with another identity as well. Here are some interesting facts about Bilbao, more than Spain.

A mixture of French and Spanish culture, a nationality apart granted autonomy under the Spanish Crown, the Basque Country is a beautiful region whose capital city and most prominent city is Bilbao.

Founded in the 14th century by Diego Lopez V de Haro, Bilbao rose to prominence as an important port and commercial hub. Today, Bilbao is still undergoing a process of de-industrialization and cultural restoration.

Amon the greatest landmarks of the town, we should count the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall and St. James Cathedral, built in the rich Gothic style.

The Basques are a proud and fascinating people, very attached to their identity and their identity.

Euskara is the language spoken by them, a unique dialect unrelated to any other known language, and it is the oldest language in Europe.

The Basque Country is more than Spain, like we said, because apart from the three Spanish provinces, it also includes two in France. Nevertheless, the Basques have always affirmed their identity by opposition to the two nations, though they preserve cultural elements from any of the two.

“Guernica” is not just a painting by Pablo Picasso. Actually the great artist got his idea from the city with this name that was bombed during the Spanish Civil War by Germans and Italians with the approval of Franco, who wanted to ruin the Basques. Nevertheless, they proved to be stronger and recovered from this great trial and survived as a culture.

Last but certainly not least, the Basque cuisine is regarded as one of the best in the world. Sample it next time you are in the beautiful city of Bilbao! While in town, you can rent a car in Bilbao Airport to travel comfortably all around the region.