Bilbao

Bilbao, also known as Bilbo is the largest city in the Basque Country. It is also the capital of Biscay Province in Spain. Founded by Don Diego Lopez de Haro V, Lord of Biscay on 15 June 1300, the city derived its name from Basque "bi albo" meaning "two river banks". Bilbao, which was with the Republican Government in the Spanish Civil War was also the capital of the first Basque Autonomous Government.

Area & Location: Situated in the North of Spain, the city lies between 43,15º Latitude North and 2,58º Longitude West. The city, which occupies a land area of 41.3 sq. km has a population of 354, 000.

Tourist Attractions: Bilbao is a beautiful city with various attractive sights that lures in visitors.

Transportation: The city has an extensive transport facility that makes it easier for the people to reach here from any part of the world. Bilbao bus lines, through which regular buses and microbuses pass by, carry people from one place to another. The trains and ferries are the other forms of public transport in the city. The new airport in the city that handles four million passengers daily serves the city.

Hotels: The city offers a number of hotels that provide all amenities such as swimming pool, childcare etc to its guests. The conference rooms and meeting rooms help the business tourists to hold meetings and discussions. Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, Miro Hotel, Occidental Hotel Abando, Hotel Zenit Bilbao, Sheraton Bilbao Hotel, Barcelo Avenida, Tryp Arenal Hotel and Husa Jardines de Albia are the exotic hotels in the city.

Places of Attraction: Bilbao has several museums like Guggenheim Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the Maritime Museum. The various churches like Santiago Cathedral, Saint Anton church, Basilica of Begona and Saint Nicholas of Bari church in the city attracts pilgrims. Arriaga Theater, Bizkaia Delegation Palace, City Hall, Chavarri Palace, Plaza Nueva, Ribera Market, San Mames Stadium, University of Deusto and Zubizuri Bridge are the wonderful sights in the city. Calatrava Bridge- the newly built bridge in the city is its main landmark.