Portugalete, Noble Village

Bide Ona hostel is located in the Noble Village of Portugalete, city located at the mouth of the Nervion river, atthe left side of the estuary, bordering with the towns of Santurtzi, Trapagarán, Sestao and Getxo, and just 20munites from the center of Bilbao.

The weather is tipically biscaine, with smooth summers, long winters and nice autumm. The economy changedin the past years from clearly industrial to an each time more important services based economy, given theturistic and cultural potential of the Village.

History

The town was founded in 1322 by Dona Maria Diaz de Haro “The good lady” on a settlement that had already been documented centuries earlier and wasinhabited by seafaring folk living in the shelter of its natural harbour. The foundation whose Town Charcher was signed by Dona María, lost years later, was ratified in 1432, with the Privilege of Confirmation by John II of Castile,this document has arrived at our days. In both documents a series of benefits were granted to the people of Portugalete regarding the commerce andmerchandise transport, mainly wool and iron, as well as on the fishing activity.

In the 19th century, the industrialization of the region energized its economy, reinforced by the arrival of the railroad and the construction of the Hanging Bridge(Puente Colgante) and the Iron Wharf (Muelle de Hierro). Its situation on the coast, joined to its beach and resort, turned it into the summer residence for thenew bourgeoisie, building palaces at the edge of the estuary and on the coast.

Throughout the 20th century Portugalete continued being a neuralgic center,commercial area and leisure centre for the left bank of the river.

Heritage

The main tourist attraction in Portugalete is the Vizcaya Bridge, also known as The Hanging Bridge of Portugalete; It was built in 1893, being the most ancientshuttle bridge in the world.

The runway was destroyed during the Civil War, being reconstructed from the center to the sides. Besides its existence, tourism wasnot really important until the World Committee of UNESCO declared the Vizcaya Hanging Bridge a World Heritage Site.

Also it’s noted:

Basilica of Saint Mary: Gothic and Renaissance temple built between XV and XVI centuries. The church was nominated lesser basilica in 1951. Since1984 is Heritage of Cultural Interest with the rank of monument of historical / artistic heritage.

• Salazar Tower (siglo XIV).
• Convent of Saint Clare (1614).
• Lexarza Palace (1853).
• Town Hall (1883).
• Tide Gage (1883).
• Iron Wharf (1887).
• “La Canilla” Station (1888).
• El Saltillo Palace (1894).
• Monument to Victor Chavarri (1903).
• Doctor Areilza’s Park (1916).
• Museum of the Industry (Rialia) (2006).
• Old Town.

Festivitie

The Villa celebrates many festivities throughout the year:

Carnivals. San Antonio’s festival. “Virgen de la Guía” Festival. San Cristóbal’s Festival. International Folk festival and Santiago’s Festival.  San Roque’s Festival. San Nicolás’ Festival. Fiesta de la Exaltación de la Cruz. Christmas Eve