Spain > View from the Basilica hill

It has turned out to be dry after all. It is a bit cooler today as I step outside. On the Plaza Museo, I start the day with a sandwich and a cup of coffee. Then I climb the stairs next to the little restaurant up to the Begoña district. The long stairway quickly takes me higher. At the top, from the park, I have a beautiful view over Bilbao. In the distance, I can see the Guggenheim Museum and several churches I have visited in the past few days.

Spain - The long stairs lead back to the old center

I walk through the park to the Basílica de Begoña. The basilica was built in the second half of the 16th century on the spot where the Virgin of Begoña is said to have appeared. In front of the church, several buses are parked. Tour groups are receiving explanations about the basilica at the entrance. I pass by the groups and enter the beautiful church. Above the altar, I see the gilded wooden statue of Mary with child. I enjoy the tranquility. When the tour groups come inside, I quickly head back out. Across from the church, I have a coffee. It is cloudy outside, but the sun is trying to break through. Back in the old town, I discover that the Museo Vasco happens to be closed today. The travel guide listed it as closed yesterday. A pity. As an alternative, I follow part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago, which passes through Bilbao.

Spain - The plane is ready to fly back

I walk through the neighborhood behind the station, where I had not yet been. Finally, I wrap up my visit to Bilbao with a Menu del Día in a small restaurant. Afterwards, I walk back to my hotel, pick up my luggage, and head to the Gran Via for the bus to the airport. The journey goes smoothly. The check-in counter for my flight is not even open yet when I arrive at the airport. With an excellent two-hour flight, I land back at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.