Puente Colgante, Portugalete and Santurtzi route
On the 16th of July 2006 the Unesco World Heritage Committee declared it a World Heritage Monument. The Bizkaia's Transporter Bridge was the first bridge-ferry in the world and the only one in service at present. The bridge has become the leading cultural asset of the Basque Country and it is the first monument in Spain included in Unesco's Industrial Heritage category.
The Bizkaia Transporter Bridge is a colossal iron structure accross the Nervión river that joins the towns of Getxo and Portugalete just before the Abra bay. Designed by Alberto de Palacio in 1893, this first-in-its-kind bridge solved the problem of communicating the two sides of the river without affecting the merchant ships traffic. Today, a lift takes you to a viewing platform at the top, with magnificent views of the area.
Barria, 3 Bajo. 48930 Las Arenas (Getxo)
Tel: 94 480 10 12 / 94 463 88 54
+ info: www.puente-colgante.com
Portugalete – founded in 1322 by María Díaz de Haro “La Buena” (the Good one), Lady of Bizkaia – has been instrumental in the economic development of the area. Built as a fortress by the river, in XVI C. it initiated an economic and demographic growth that continues today. But it was during the XIX C. when the town experienced its major growth with the construction of the railway, the bridge, and many other buildings. During these years it became a popular Summer destination for its beach and spa, and the town acquired the character that still defines it today. The second half of the XX C. gave it its final demographic push, with the industrialization of the neighbouring mining towns. Its historical centre offers several interesting sites: the Santa Clara convent, the Plaza de la Ranchería, the medieval village, the Basilica of Santa María, the sculpture of Don Lope García de Salazar, the Salazar tower, the Wall gate, Calle Salcedo, Casa de Bustamante, the City Hall, the monument to Víctor Chavarri, etc.
+ info: www.portugalete.com
The next town is Santurtzi, although the borders between the two are often unclear, and often they may seem one city to the visitor. Although documented as a sttlement since the XI century, Santurtzi only became officially a town in 1983. Its uniqueness comes from the two contrasting and co-existing characters of the village, that of a heavy industry port, and of an authentic fishing village. Do try the grilled sardines at the fishing port, and enjoy the the XIX C. bourgeois villas in the promenade between the nautical college and the bridge.
+ info: www.ayto-santurtzi.net
^
