Azkuna Zentroa (Azkuna Centre), Bilbao

Azkuna Zentroa (Azkuna Centre), Bilbao

Azkuna Zentroa (Basque for Azkuna Centre), previously known as Alhóndiga Bilbao is a multi-purpose venue located in the city of Bilbao. It was designed by French designer Philippe Starck in collaboration with Thibaut Mathieu and was opened to the public in stages between 18 May and 24 October 2010. The venue, labeled as a "Culture and Leisure Centre", consist of a cinema multiplex, a fitness centre, a library, showrooms, an auditorium, shops, and a restaurant. In March 2015 its name was officially changed to Azkuna Zentroa in tribute to the late mayor of Bilbao Iñaki Azkuna.

Originally a corn exchange (alhóndiga in Spanish), it was designed by Basque architect Ricardo Bastida and inaugurated in 1909. However, in the 1970s, a new warehouse was planned and the Alhóndiga was abandoned. Several projects were suggested, ranging from public housing, a museum of modern art, or even demolishing the entire building, but all were scrapped. Finally, in 1994 it was decided to renovate it and build a sports and culture centre. The Basque Government decided to declare the building "Public Property of Cultural Interest" in 1999.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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Azkuna Zentroa (Azkuna Centre) on Map

Sight Name: Azkuna Zentroa (Azkuna Centre)
Sight Location: Bilbao, Spain (See walking tours in Bilbao)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Bilbao, Spain

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Create Your Own Walk in Bilbao

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bilbao is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bilbao Introduction Walking Tour

Bilbao Introduction Walking Tour

Bilbao is the largest city in northern Spain. Burial sites 6,000 years old have been found near Bilbao. A settlement of the 3rd or 2nd century BC was called Amanun Portus by the Roman writer Pliny the Elder. Ptolemy referred to it as Flaviobriga.

But today's Bilbao was founded on the banks of the Nervion River by the Lord of Biscay in the year 1300. The city was an important trading hub...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Bilbao's Old Town Walking Tour

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Often regarded as a jewel of Basque architecture and...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles