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Cathedral · Bilbao, Basque Country
Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao
14th-century Gothic cathedral in the Casco Viejo, with a 15th-century cloister and a side porch that used to shelter pilgrims of the Caminho do Norte.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao
The Catedral de Santiago is the main church of the Casco Viejo and the oldest in Bilbao. Gothic construction began at the end of the 14th century over an earlier church dedicated to the apostle Santiago, connected to the Caminho de Santiago along the coast, the Caminho do Norte, which passes through the city.
The main façade and the tower are neo-Gothic, from the late 19th century, because the originals were lost in a 16th-century fire and in later interventions. The interior is Gothic, with three naves, an ambulatory and chapels. On the south side is the Pórtico, a 16th-century covered porch where pilgrims and locals sheltered from the rain.
The cloister, from the 15th century, is small and quiet, with Gothic arches. The church became a cathedral in 1949, when the diocese of Bilbao was created.
The square in front is usually busy with bars and shops, and the 18th-century fountain marks the center of the Siete Calles.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, outside Mass times. Check the tourist visiting hours.
How to get there
It is located on Plaza de Santiago, in the middle of the Siete Calles, a 5-minute walk from Plaza Nueva and the Casco Viejo metro station.
Tip
Enter through the side Pórtico and be sure to see the cloister. Pilgrims on the Caminho do Norte often stamp their credential at the cathedral.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao
Is Bilbao's cathedral part of the Camino de Santiago?
Yes. Bilbao is on the Northern Way along the coast, and the cathedral is dedicated to the Apostle James (Santiago).
Is the cathedral's façade old?
No. The façade and the tower are neo-Gothic, from the late 19th century. The interior and the cloister are Gothic.
Since when has it been a cathedral?
Since 1949, when the Diocese of Bilbao was created.