Walking Tour on the Origins of Football in Bilbao and Biscay

This Walking Tour on the Origins of Football in Bilbao and Biscay offers a compelling look into the city’s deep football heritage, all for just $12.04 per person. With an approximate duration of 3 hours, the tour is designed for both passionate football fans and those interested in Bilbao’s cultural and historical landscape. Starting at Pilota Kalea, 7, the tour takes you through twelve carefully curated stops, each revealing a piece of the region’s sports, social, and political history. This tour is booking about 23 days in advance, making it accessible for those planning ahead.

The local expert guides lead the way with lively explanations, sharing stories behind iconic sites like the house where ‘Pichichi’ was born and the old spots where the Athletic Club took shape. The tour includes public transportation and a gift souvenir, providing excellent value for its price. An honest consideration: some stops, like the stadium exterior visit, do not include admission fees, so additional costs may be necessary for full access. This tour is ideal for football fans, history buffs, and culture seekers eager to understand Bilbao through its legendary sport.

Key Points

• Affordable price of just $12.04, with 3 hours of engaging walking exploration
• Visits notable sites linked to Athletic Club’s origins and Basque football legends
• Includes local expert guide and a souvenir gift
• Covers historic venues, cultural landmarks, and local legends
• Some stops require additional admission fees for full access
• The tour is booked several weeks in advance, showing its popularity

The Starting Point at Pilota Kalea, 7

The tour begins at Pilota Kalea, 7, in the Ibaiondo district of Bilbao. This central starting point allows easy access via public transportation and sets the tone for an exploration rooted in local history. The walks are designed to be accessible, with a moderate physical effort recommended. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities for questions and discussions.

Starting here, the guide immediately immerses visitors in Bilbao’s football story, emphasizing the importance of the local legends and historic venues that will be visited throughout the tour. The walking pace is steady, allowing enough time to absorb the stories and admire each site.

Visiting the House of ‘Pichichi’ at Andra Maria Kalea, 10

The first stop is the house where Rafael Moreno ‘Pichichi’ was born, a legend of Bilbao football. This free 5-minute stop involves observing the exterior of the residence, with commentary on his career and his role in professionalizing football in Spain. This site is crucial for understanding how local talent shaped national sports history and is a highlight for fans interested in football legends.

The guide explains Pichichi’s influence on the sport and his significance to Bilbao’s football identity. Though it’s a brief stop, it sets the tone for the tour’s focus on historic figures and their lasting impact.

Tracing the Athletic Club’s Origins at Erribera Kalea, 4

Next, the tour moves to Erribera Kalea, 4, where the old Café Donostiarra once stood. This site is notable as the location of Bilbao’s first Athletic Club headquarters in 1901. The 5-minute visit is free, and the guide discusses the club’s early days and its incorporation date.

This stop highlights Bilbao’s role in early Spanish football history, linking social venues to the birth of a club that remains iconic today. It’s a quick but meaningful glimpse into how sports and social life intertwined in the city’s past.

The San Anton Bridge and Church of Antxon Deunaren Eliza

The guide then explains the history of the San Anton Bridge and Church of Antxon Deunaren Eliza, both featured on the Athletic Club’s shield. This 10-minute stop involves outdoor observation and some historical context about their importance in Bilbao’s urban development and club symbolism.

While there’s no admission fee for the site, the guide shares stories about the church and bridge’s roles in Bilbao’s history, adding depth for those interested in local architecture and tradition.

Legend of ‘Alirón’ at San Frantzisko Kalea, 36

The tour’s next highlight is the Salon Vizcaya on San Frantzisko Kalea, a performance hall that legend credits with the expression ‘sing the alirón’, used when claiming a league victory. This 10-minute free stop allows visitors to learn about football celebrations and local sports jargon.

The cultural significance of this phrase underscores how football has become embedded in Bilbao’s local identity, making this stop a fun and memorable part of the tour.

Intellectual and Sports Pioneers at Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, 3

The Café Lyon d’Or‘s former site, located on Gran Vía, is the next stop. This 10-minute free visit highlights a gathering place for intellectuals and sports enthusiasts in early 20th-century Bilbao. The guide discusses prominent figures who discussed and promoted football and culture here.

This site underscores Bilbao’s vibrant cultural scene in the early 1900s, connecting sports, politics, and social life in a lively, historical context.

Pre-Club Meetings at Berástegui Kalea, 1

At Café García, the location of pre-legal constitution meetings of Athletic Club in 1901, the tour offers a brief 5-minute outdoor observation. The guide recounts early organizational efforts shaping the club’s future.

While no admission is required, this stop emphasizes Bilbao’s role in football’s formalization and the community’s early commitment to the sport.

Exploring Basque Nationalism at Albia Lorategia

The statue of Sabino Arana at Albia Lorategia marks a key intersection of Basque identity and football. This 10-minute stop involves discussion of Basque nationalism’s origins, linked to industrialization and the arrival of football in the region.

This site reveals the deep connections between regional pride and sports, illustrating how football became part of the Basque cultural fabric.

Zamacois Gymnasium and Athletic Club’s Early Days

Next, the former Zamacois Gymnasium on Ibáñez de Bilbao Kalea, 10 is observed. This 10-minute free stop reflects on Bilbao’s gymnastics and sports pioneers, some of whom were connected to Athletic Club.

This location offers insight into early athletic training in Bilbao, showing how gymnastics and football shared space in the city’s sports evolution.

The Coronation Cup’s Fountain at Plaza de Jado

The fountain at Plaza de Jado features a spout representing the Coronation Cup, Spain’s first national football competition. In 10 minutes, the guide reviews the significance of this trophy and its role in Bilbao football history.

This stop celebrates a pivotal moment in Spanish football and its ties to Bilbao’s sporting tradition.

The Old English Camp near the Guggenheim Museum

Crossing Ingelesen Landako Kaia, next to the Guggenheim, the tour reflects on the early football matches played at the old English camp at the end of the 19th century. This 10-minute walk looks at Bilbao’s first football scenes and discusses the influence of English workers.

It’s a vital reminder of Bilbao’s international links and the sport’s arrival through British influence.

The Estuary and Athletic Club’s Barge Celebrations

A scenic walk along the Bilbao estuary passes by San Mamés Stadium exterior. The guide describes how the Athletic Club sails a barge when winning titles, connecting the city’s waterways to football traditions. The pass-by is free, offering picturesque views and stories about Bilbao’s maritime connection to sports.

This scenic moment links local geography with sports celebrations in a unique way.

San Mamés Stadium’s Exterior and History

Finally, the tour concludes with an exterior visit to San Mamés Stadium. The guide comments on architectural features and historic fields used before the current stadium. Although admission is not included, this stop delivers a visual overview of Bilbao’s most famous football venue.

This site wraps up the experience, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Athletic Bilbao and its iconic stadium.

Concise and Practical: The Tour’s Value and Suitability

This walking tour delivers a detailed yet accessible look at Bilbao’s football heritage. The price of $12.04 makes it an excellent value, especially considering the expert local guidance and cultural insights. The timing and pacing suit those with moderate mobility and an interest in history and sports.

While some stops require additional fees for full access, the tour provides a rundown of historic sites, legendary figures, and regional symbols related to football. Its small group size ensures a personalized experience, making it ideal for fans and history buffs alike.

The final visit to San Mamés Stadium offers a fitting conclusion, connecting the past and present of Bilbao football. This tour offers a rich, educational experience that combines local history, sports culture, and architecture in a lively, engaging way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering twelve stops of historical and cultural significance.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $12.04 per person, including a local guide, public transportation, and a souvenir.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, some stops like the San Mamés exterior may require additional admission fees if full access to stadiums or museums is desired.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Pilota Kalea, 7 and concludes next to San Mamés Stadium at P.º Rafael Moreno “Pichichi”.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, as the tour involves walking and outdoor stops.

Can the tour be customized?
Yes, there is a possibility to customize the experience, depending on your interests.

Is this tour available year-round?
While specific dates aren’t mentioned, the average booking is 23 days in advance, indicating steady availability.

Are drinks or meals included?
No, meals are not included, and additional costs apply for food and beverages.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least a few weeks ahead to secure a spot, especially during busy periods.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on Bilbao’s football history, cultural landmarks, and local legends creates a unique, educational experience for fans and history lovers alike.