Bilbao La Vieja in Spanish, "Old Bilbao" in English and Bilbo Zaharra in Basque.
It is a neighbourhood of Bilbao and part of the 5th district of the city (Ibaiondo).
Location In the city center, it lies right across the estuary, on the left bank of the Nervion River, united to the Old Town by the bridge of San Anton pictured above (portrayed in the city's coat of arms).
History
Past Bilbao La Vieja is the oldest neighbourhood of Bilbao, being older than even the medieval urban district (Casco Viejo), founded in 1300.
The development of Bilbao la Vieja was closely linked to that of the Miribilla mines, on the top of the Miribilla mountain behind the old neighborhood. Recently redeveloped as a newly built neighborhood. Bilbao La Vieja was traditionally where the majority of the miners resided. It was some of the first land used as an expansion of the medieval city was undertaken in the 18th and 19th centuries and became a fashionable neighborhood by the end of the 19th century.
Today Due to its strategic location within the city of Bilbao and the end of the minery days years ago, Bilbao la Vieja is getting through a deep gentrification process.
Under the municipal government's new initiatives the neighborhood is redeveloping, with a number of new businesses and subsidies aimed at urban renewal and attracting the young to the area. This initiative has been largely very fruitful thus far. Many new shops and young entrepreneurs are setting up shop.
The neighborhood is also home to a growing immigrant population, making it one of the most vibrant communities in Bilbao.
Transport
By foot
Direct from Abando. Direct from Casco Viejo through Ribera bridge, el Merced bridge and San Antón bridge. 8 minutes (Approx.) from Plaza Elíptica.
Metro
Bilbao la Vieja has no stations itself. However, a number of them lie right next to it:
Abando station Casco Viejo station
Train
Bilbao la Vieja has no stations itself. However, a number of them lie right next to it:
Abando station Atxuri station
BilboBus
Lines and stops:
Línea Recorrido Paradas en Bilbao la Vieja11 Deusto - Atxuri Cortes 2, Muelle de la Merced 322 Sarrikure - Atxuri Cortes 2, Muelle de la Merced 330 Txurdinaga - Miribilla Dr. Fleming 1, Cruce entre Xenpelar con Zabala, Zabala 2256 La Peña - Sagrado Corazón Cortes 2, Muelle de la Merced 3, Urazurrutia 1, Urazurrutia 40, Zamakola 458 Mintegitxueta - Atxuri Cortes 23, Cortes 13, Cortes 2, Urazurrutia 175 San Adrián - Atxuri Cortes 2, Muelle de la Merced 377 Peñascal - Mina del Morro Cortes 2, Muelle de la Merced 385 Zazpilanda - Atxuri Cortes 2, Muelle de la Merced 3
External links Bilbao la Vieja, San Francisco Zabala FORUM