Bilbao—October 1, 2018

Today was our last and most relaxing day, having walked only 5.7 miles through the Old Quarter, along the river, and taking a funicular ride to the highest point for a panoramic view of Bilbao before putting our feet up for a bit in our hotel.

City Hall (1892) with cool sculpture.

Zubizuri foot bridge opened in 1996. We crossed the river on
our way to the funicular up to the highest point overlooking
Bilbao for a bird's eye view.

Love the fall colors too.

The funicular to the top celebrated 100 years in 2015.

Back in the day, this is what pulled the funicular up and down.

 

 

1936 Civil War Memorial. It's a 30' steel fingerprint.

Arenal Plaza (1849), one of the symbols of Bilbao, leads into
the Old Quarter's maze of narrow streets. 

La Salve Bridge and Guggenheim Museum.

And back down we go.

On our walk along the river to the Old Quarter we ran into
protesting pensioners in front of City Hall. Apparently, the
government wants to cut pensions 25%. We think this sign
translates to "Full Pensions Now!"

Chanting for change!

Bilbao Cathedral (12th or 13th century). It's
difficult to get a shot of the entire thing
because buildings are huddled close.

Bilbao Cathedral, different angle.

Bilbao Cathedral entrance.

And we wandered the Old Quarter in a circle,
taking in the new Ribera Market along the river.

Ribera Market.

Ribera Market.

Upscale eateries in the market.

Ribera Market ceiling.

Market exit looking out to St. Anton (1433) and dedicated
to St. Anthony the Great.

St. Anton.

And there's St. Anthony the Great!

St. Anton Bridge.

And one last look.

And we're back at the backside of the Bilbao 

Cathedral, closing the loop we started.

Another entrance/exit behind the Cathedral.

Leaving the Old Quarter. Just liked the facade of this building.

Check out the lift on the left. Doing a bit of work on this 1849
building (now a theatre) on Arenal Plaza.

And back to our hotel and feet up!