The Ria River
This point of interest is available as audio on the tour: Visit Bilbao, A Basque City Reborn
Bilbao and the Ria River share a connection that almost feels like a love story. The river has always been at the heart of the city’s development. Bilbao was originally a fishing village along the Ria’s right bank,and later expanded to the left bank, gradually becoming the vibrant tourist city we see today.
The Ria played a key role in trade, supporting Bilbao’s commercial growth through a vast navigation network. But the relationship hasn’t always been so smooth.
In 1983, a major flood struck the city. In some areas, the water rose as high as five metres, resulting in severe financial losses, extensive damage to historic buildings, and the tragic loss of lives.
Today, its banks have completely changed their appearance: former industrial warehouses have been replaced by landscaped promenades, cultural venues and open-air artworks, turning the Ria into a real axis of everyday life for the inhabitants.
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