Bilbao and Zaragoza - Return of the Cities!

Church of Santos Juanes, Bilbao.

 If you have been following these entries you are aware I like churches and public spaces or parks.   Bilbao and Zaragoza both had their fill.  Of course Bilbao is famous for the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum.  The museum building, and its imposing location on the Bilbao river, is equally impressive as the art it houses.  Its opening also is a turning point in the history of the city.

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.

Bilbao has a small “old city” with some churches and noteworthy buildings.  It should be a paradise for kids playing hide and seek in its winding streets.  I celebrated Mass at the very beautiful Santos Juanes Church built in the 17th century.  Outside the church were shops, cafes, restaurants.   I love the energy and variety of a city.  

An historic house along the river park.

Prior to that I had a great walk along the river park to the Guggenheim.  Even on an overcast day there were many locals out and about.  The museum is built to resemble a ship.  The whole area was dilapidated after the ship building industry left Bilbao.  The museum actually helped turn the city into a tourist destination.

Interior of the Basilica of Begonia.

Before catching an afternoon Mass I visited the hill top basilica in honor of Our Lady, the Basilica of La Begonia.  It was filled with faithful.  After which I came across by accident the Church and Park of the Encarnacion.

The Arriaga Theatre, Bilbiao.

Zaragoza is also a surprisingly beautiful city.  I got a chance to explore it as the sun was setting.  Its old city is very compact and the street were packed with visitors and locals.  I wish I had more time.

Window in Bilbao central train station.