Page 18 - Talk of Tequesta - September '21

Page 18, The Talk Of Tequesta

Travel

Bilbao: Two Sides

By Don Kiselewski, MCC, D.S., Palm Beach Gardens Travel Leaders

The birth and growth
of Bilbao, Spain, is closely
linked to the lay of the land.
The city’s layout was greatly
influenced by the estuary and
surrounding mountains.
Since ancient times the
territory around Bilbao has
been active. There have been
numerous archeological View of a pedestrian bridge in Bilbao, on the estuary of the
finds to substantiate its early Nervión. It is built in a modern architectural style.
existence. Its functioning as The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
a city did not, however, begin until the Middle Ages, when it and to which steel was exported raised Bilbao to the position
developed as a trading center. Its initial development grew out suggested that Basque people worshipped a sun god. This of unofficial capital. Bilbao has always considered itself the
of the Pilgrims’ route, which ran along the coast to Santiago came from linguistic clues, and there is no hard evidence of Basque capital with the most “British style.” The iron industry
de Compostela. The coming and going of the faithful gave this belief. had been around since Roman times.
rise to intense cultural and commercial activity. The Castillian desire to be an inland seaport was still The beginning of the movie The Full Monty bears a striking
Archaeologists have estimated that the evolution of the another reason for Bilbao’s development. Castilian wool similarity to the happenings of Bilbao. Manchester, England,
civilization located where the Pyrenees Mountains die into producers sought a port location where their wool could was a steel producing town that went bust and led a group of
the Cantabrian Sea dates back around 40,000 years. And, be shipped to the countries of central and northern Europe. young men to resort to stripping. However, it wasn’t disrobing
the area’s Basque population had its beginnings some 7,000 The port in turn allowed the import of merchandise to the that saved Bilbao, but one very unique idea that did the trick.
years ago, about 2,000 years before sheep were introduced merchants of Castile. Ana Aguirre Zurutuza, the chancellor for trade and tourism
into the area. The origin of the distinctive Basque language Bilbao, the seafaring village, was granted the status of of the Basque government, was the heroine that changed
has been traced to writing and etchings dating back some six township by Privilege Diego Lopez de Haro V, Lord of Biscay, the image of Bilbao. She did it by sponsoring international
millennia. This evidence established perimeters of the tongue on June 15, 1300. The town charter established its jurisdictional competitions that brought in world-renowned architects to give
from southern Aquitaine to Catalunya. Research has also boundaries over the Ría del Nervión, which became known as the city a new look. Norman Foster designed the underground
the Ría of Bilbao. Its municipal limits extended to the lower and in 1991 Frank O. Gehry designed the Guggenheim
Nervión Valley. The name Bilbao is thought to have found its Museum. What the Opera House does for Sydney, the
meaning in the Basque words “Bi aibo,” referring to the two Guggenheim does for Bilbao – establishes its identity.
banks of the river Nervión on which it was established. Even though the Guggenheim creates a love/hate
It was during high tide that vessels could sail upstream relationship for its viewers, there is no doubt that it has put
on the Nervión River in search of safe refuge and the trading Bilbao on the map. It is built of titanium (not steel), granite
post. Thus Bilbao was born, and because of the large amount and glass. The building explodes like a futuristic vessel on
of iron ore that was mined and worked, the area grew rapidly. the bank of the river. Its highly reflective surfaces capture the
The city’s merchants set up a trade guild and established objects and lights of the city. Another of its unusual features
relations with the other trading areas along the coast of Europe, is the activity on the moat adjacent to the building. Perhaps
and eventually established trade with England and south the world’s most unique way of telling time occurs each hour
American countries. This became known as the Carrera de when steam is released and then floats on top of the water,
Indias, the trade convoy to the New World. and no, it doesn’t tell minutes or seconds. But that’s okay,
Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry in The Basque area has always been independent and you’ll get plenty of love from the 50-foot flower-covered
1997, Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum showcases modern and autonomous, staying out of conflicts between Carthaginians “Puppy,” which is the mascot of the museum and guards the
contemporary art. and Romans. However, Hannibal (the famed Carthaginian entrance. There are five Guggenheim museums: New York,
military commander and tactician) recruited many of his Venice, Berlin, Las Vegas and Bilbao. $750 million has been
army’s soldiers from the Basque. The relationship between the committed for Frank O. Gehry’s next Guggenheim Museum
loCal GovernmenT from page 17 Romans and Basque was affable and as a result, Latin influence to be located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
was integrated into the culture. Provincial lines were drawn up On the right bank of the river, in the “Old Part” as it is called,
in the Basque region in the early 11 century, established by is the heartbeat of Bilbao. Standing just over the original bridge
th
religious entities. These powers fought and divided lands in the to the city is Santiago Cathedral. This 14 century building
th
assimilation of their territories, causing lingering resentment was originally coupled with a fortification that protected the
in the area. Fighting erupted on two occasions; both times the old town. Many of the city’s most important buildings have
Basque lost. They surrendered in 1839 after the first Carlist been constructed along the banks of the river, including the
War and did so with the understanding that their status would Town Hall, Deusto University and the Society of Jesus. These
be respected, which it wasn’t. The second loss created a split locations, although making monumental settings, fell victim
of the Basque region between France and Spain. to the 1983 flood that devastated a major portion of the city.
Sabino de Arana y Goiri became the catalyst and first If you haven’t already visited Bilbao, put it on your “must
leader of the Basque Nationist Movement because of this see” list. It’s an interesting area of the world.
division of land. The official name of the organization is Eusko Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
Alderdi Jelzalea. The Basque people refer to themselves as having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans, seas
“Euskaldunak” (Euskara speakers). and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel Leaders,
Bilbao is the most highly populated of the Basque his family owned and operated agency, is located at Mirasol
metropolises and the economic capitals of the area. Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road, Building A, Suite 102-6,
Agriculture, the basis for the establishment of the original Palm Beach Gardens. The agency has been serving the travel
design, editorial content, and the success of the entry area, has subsided, so it attained its character because of the needs of the South Florida area for over a quarter of a century.
in achieving overall communications effectiveness, impact created by the iron industry. The magnitude of trade Contact him at (561) 694-9696 or Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
by a panel of Apex judges. The guide is available in relations with Great Britain from which coal was imported Photos by Don Kiselewski
convenient, digital flipbook format at www.pbctax.
com, or email us at ClientAdvocate@pbctax.com to
request a printed copy.

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