Bilbao - Incentives and Events in the Basque Country

Bilbao is the Basque Country's biggest town and at the same time one of the most important industrial and port centers of Spain. The city, which formerly laid off the beaten tourist tracks, experienced an extensive conversion of its inner city within the 90’s. One important factor surely was the construction of the Guggenheim Museum under the direction on Canadians’ starring architect Frank Gehry. In 1995 there was built a 28 Kilometers long underground railway system with most of its stations to be designed by Sir Norman Foster. In 2005 a new airport terminal was finished under the direction of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Today most of the well known architects are in the process of building or planning to raise a building in Bilbao, the must-to-be place for contemporary architecture. Heart of the city’s redesign is, together with the Guggenheim Museum, 1999’s opened Music- and Congress-Palace “Euskalduna”. The building resemblance a ship, lying directly at the “Ria de Bilbao” on formers “Euskalduna” dockyard.
The once grey industrial town has transformed itself into a modern metropolis remaining true to its traditions and customs. Thus, the authentic Bilbao can be found in the beautiful historical city centre with its narrow alleys, delicious Pintxo-Bars and elegant Cafés. Gourmets will find an extensive choice of the finest restaurants serving mouth-watering New Basque Cuisine with various restaurants holding Michelin stars. A first-class hotel offer with more than 4,000 beds in the range of 4 and 5 stars complete the possibilities.