Bilbo's History

Study Notes

The city's history is linked to the Ibaizabal-Nerbioi estuary, which facilitated trade and made Bilbao a strategic port city.
The first settlers established themselves on both sides of the estuary: on the left bank around the Muelle de Marzana and on the right bank in the Seven Streets area.
The location was ideal for loading and unloading merchandise, and the San Antón Bridge connected the two sides.
In 1300, Diego López de Haro founded the city of Bilbao, granting its inhabitants privileges and freedom to engage in trade without feudal lordship.
The port of Bilbao received goods such as wool from Castile and iron ore from Biscay, which were then exported to Europe (the Netherlands, England, and France).
Many businesses, including shops, taverns, factories, and slaughterhouses, opened in Bilbao's streets during this period.

In 1511, the Bilbao Consulate was established to resolve disputes related to trade and maintain the estuary.
The Bilbao City Council and the Consulate governed the city's political, social, and economic life.
Bilbao consolidated its position as a major commercial center, becoming the most important port on the Cantabrian coast.
Significant buildings such as the San Nicolás Church were constructed during this period.

In the late 19th century, Bilbao became a significant industrial center, with various types of factories emerging on the estuary's banks, including shipyards, blast furnaces, and steel companies.
The industrial revolution attracted thousands of workers to Bilbao and its surroundings.
The city expanded, and new infrastructure such as housing, train stations, hospitals, and more were built.
The first urban expansion project, the Abando expansion, was designed, featuring a regular plan, straight streets, quality houses, and promenades.

The industrial crisis of the late 20th century severely affected Bilbao's economy, and the city's industrial infrastructure began to decline.
A new phase began, marked by the transformation of Bilbao's economy, with industry-related infrastructure being relocated to nearby areas.
Services and leisure activities related to culture took over the city's space, becoming its main driving force.
Significant projects were undertaken in Bilbao during this transformation process, including:
- The cleanup of the estuary and recovery of its natural life.
- Designs by renowned architects, such as the Guggenheim Museum, Euskalduna Palace, Isozaki Atea, and Iberdrola Tower, among others.