pakdoktergolfblog: Bilbao - A Little History.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Bilbao - A Little History.

30th May 2014

Bilbao is the capital of the Biscaya province of the Basque region. Current population about 350,000. First evidence of human existence dated back to 3rd century BC on the nearby mountain of Malmasin. By the 13th century AD the new township was built by the bank of the Nervion River where the church ( now a big cathedral) provided shelter for pilgims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

Apart from fishing, the region was also rich in iron ore found in the surrounding mountains. The iron ore also supported the boat and ship-building industry. The Basque language is neither Spanish nor French. Much like the Catalonians where Barcelona is on the other side of Spain - the Basque folks have for a long time demanded for autonomy and seccession from Spain.

When King Ferdiand V11 of Spain died in 1833 his fourth wife Maria Christina became Queen Regent on behalf of their infant Isabella 11. This caused a splinter in the society - the Christinos or Isabellinos who represented the Liberals and the Carlists ( supporters of Carlos V who was the brother of Ferdinand V11 who wnated to claim the throne) who championed Catholicism and Legitimacy to the throne. The series of wars brought about by this conflict is known as the Carlist Wars.

Despite the many wars Bilbao prospered with its industries and trade with England and the Netherlands. The economic prosperity saw the development of the first railway and the banking system in Spain ( BBVA -originally Bank of Bilbao and later Bank of Bilbao and Viscaya Associates? - BBVA), the Arrega Theatre and many bridges across the Nervion river..

The Spanish Civil War that started as small uprisings here was suppressed by the Republicans followed by bombings by Franco and later the Germans. ETA uprising fighting for secccesion from Spain also inflicted more damage to the city.

Rejuvenation of the city was started in 1990 with the construction of the Guggenhein Museum. This has led to the construction of many other developments, a modern airport, an underground metro and a tram, modern bridges, cultural centres etc. Today Bilbao thrives on the service industry being a major tourism attraction of Northern Spain.