Portugalete's impressive basilica (1580) stands atop an earlier 14th-century church that originally marked the town's highest point. A striking structure, it's largely Gothic with flying buttresses, gargoyles and austere sandstone walls; the bell tower was a later 18th-century addition. Inside, the carved wood Renaissance-era altarpiece is a highlight.
Basílica de Santa María
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.47 MILES
Shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of…
5.12 MILES
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5.48 MILES
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14.58 MILES
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22.53 MILES
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7.32 MILES
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6.35 MILES
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5.8 MILES
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Nearby attractions
0.03 MILES
This stubby four-storey tower was originally part of a defensive complex built by the local Salazar family during a period of baronial fighting in the…
0.1 MILES
At the foot of Portugalete's medieval centre, this cobbled square makes for a fine photo with its handsome 19th-century buildings and august monument to…
3. Rialia Museo de la Industría
0.17 MILES
Learn about Portugalete's industrial history at this small waterfront museum. Displays, which include paintings, models and machinery parts, chart the…
0.23 MILES
Designed by Alberto Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the Unesco World Heritage–listed Puente Colgante (also known as the Vizcaya or Bizkaia Bridge)…
5. Paseo de las Grandes Villas
0.9 MILES
The Paseo is the unofficial name given to Getxo's seafront – made up of Muelle de Las Arenas Areeta and Calle Marques de Arriluce e Ibarra. The 'Villas'…
1.04 MILES
This small 1911-built mansion is one of several designed and built by Bilbao architect Manuel María Smith in the early 20th century. It's not open to the…
1.3 MILES
A local landmark, this castle-like mansion was originally built in 1902 but was subsequently revamped by Manuel María Smith in 1921. Its central tower is…
1.44 MILES
This massive stone structure was built in 1919 as a continuation of Getxo's defensive wall. It's an impressive sight, complete with columns and a…