The origins of Bilbao date back to 1300 when it became a city-state. The Old Town area of Las Siete Calles flourished over the centuries, particularly after trade began with the Americas. Basque fishermen and merchants created strong ties to New England, and the city became a focal point for iron and steelworks, shipbuilding, and chemical plants. In 1937, Bilbao became part of Franco and Basque nationalists were punished. This created an economic decline that continued throughout the 1900s, but recent decades have seen the city’s economy flourish again, largely thanks to the banking and tourism industries.
Bilbao is a vibrant city that embraces its Basque heritage while also proudly moving into the 21st century, with a strong influence in architecture and design. When visiting the Bilbao cruise port of call, you’ll find that two languages are largely spoken: Basque and Spanish, with Basque being the first language of many locals.
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