Explore the industrial treasures of Bilbao Bizkaia.

Mining Museum in Gallarta

Deep in the depths of Bilbao Bizkaia's mining history lies the Mining Museum in Gallarta, a poignant tribute to the men and women who toiled beneath the earth's surface in pursuit of wealth and livelihood. Located in what was once a bustling mining enclave, this museum stands as a monument to the harsh reality of those who braved the bowels of the earth.

From the exhibition of rudimentary tools to moving testimonies of former miners, every corner of this museum breathes life into a bygone era that, although buried under layers of history, still echoes in the heart of Bilbao Bizkaia.

Portugalete Iron Pier

The Muelle de Hierro, the Iron Pier in Portugalete is an industrial icon of Bilbao Bizkaia's iron architecture and engineering. Designed by the engineer Evaristo de Churruca Brunet, this pier stands as an iconic industrial landmark.

This pier not only solved the problem of navigability in Bilbao, but also became a meeting and strolling point frequented by the inhabitants of Portugalete.

The Portugalete Iron Pier, along with other nearby industrial emblems such as the Bizkaia Bridge, is part of the historical and cultural legacy of Bilbao Bizkaia, highlighting its relevance as an industrial icon and witness to the engineering of the time.

La Arboleda (Larreineta Funicular)

Nestled amidst the green hills that embrace the town of Trapagaran lies La Arboleda, a natural treasure that hides within its folds an essential part of the industrial history of Bilbao Bizkaia. Here, the Larreineta Funicular, a mining transport system used in the past, still stands as a living monument to human resilience and technological ingenuity.

As the wagons glide gracefully down the hillsides, they carry with them echoes of a time when coal was king and the coal industry dominated the skyline.

Today, La Arboleda not only attracts nature lovers with its winding paths and panoramic views, but also invites visitors to delve into Bilbao Bizkaia's industrial past in a unique way.

Korta de Bodovalle

The Korta de Bodovalle, located in Gallarta, is an industrial emblem that left an indelible mark on Bizkaia's history. In the 1970s, this underground mine became the second largest iron ore mine in Europe. Though closed since 1993, its legacy endures.

Together with the underground mine, the Korta de Bodovalle forms a cultural landscape of paramount importance. Its tangible and intangible values are intertwined, and both elements are fundamental to understanding the industrialisation process of the Basque Country in the mining area par excellence.

In every corner of Bilbao Bizkaia, industrial history intertwines with modern life, reminding us that progress is never linear and that the past is never completely buried.

Iron River, from iron to titanium

We invite you to explore 8 routes that will help you to get to know us better and to understand the progress of this land, also showcasing other attractions such as towns and cities, heritage sites, art, traditions and a world-renowned gastronomy.

These routes will allow you to immerse yourself in museums, walks, historic sites and other places of interest, giving you a deeper understanding of the region and its evolution over time.

In addition to its industrial and mining history, Bilbao Bizkaia boasts attractions such as villas of the industrial bourgeoisie, cultural heritage, art, traditions and internationally renowned gastronomy.

Because in Bilbao Bizkaia, history never fades away; it simply transforms, evolving along with the land and the people who call it home.