Casco Viejo-Bilbao La Vieja

Bilbao spread out across its main seven streets more than 700 years ago, forming the core of the city: the old quarter of Bilbao, known as Casco Viejo. Nowadays most part of its ancient structure remains untouched and the presence of the care of the urban area is clear, as well as the charm of a pedestrian area rich in historical monuments, where vitality and social activity are prominent due to its wide shopping and service offers.

They analysed the pedestrian area as equilibrium between the development of the economic, trade (more than 500 shops), historic, residential and leisure time.

There is a route of medieval buildings and dwellings dating back to the first half of the century: gothic temples, palaces and baroque churches, buildings with neo-classical elements and other eclectic elements.

Interesting areas: Mercado de la Ribera Market, Santiago Cathedral, Plaza Nueva Square, church and bridge of San Antón and the Arriaga Theatre.

The bridge of San Antón upon the river Nervión joins the Casco Viejo with the Bilbao La Vieja neighbourhood. Even though this neighbourhood is degraded visually and socially speaking, at present it's been restored in terms of town planning.

A large part of migrants coexist in Bilbao La Vieja and they display varied artistic activities owing to the creation of many cultural centres.

Atmosphere: Tradition, classicism, hurly-burly of city life (Casco Viejo).
Impoverished, mixed races (Bilbao La Vieja).