Bilbao is one of the largest Spanish cities and due to its geographic situation it is also the biggest port and the main industrial centre in the north of the country. It is the most significant city in the Basque region. It also used to be the headquarters of the Basque government for two years during the period of the Spanish Civil War.
Though Bilbao was founded on the 15 of June 1300, its industrial development and transforming into a wealthy city became possible only in the 19th and 20th centuries. The most important industries which contributed to the city's development have always been shipbuilding and production of iron and steel.
Read further about Bilbao in our City Guide ...