Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest city in Basque country and Biscay.

Bilbao was founded in the 14th century by the Haro family and became an important Spanish port.

The Spanish Basque Autonomous Community consists of the provinces of Alava, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa. Portions of southwestern France and Navarre are also claimed by Basque nationalists.

During Roman times the Vascones inhabited the area, and they made some interesting funeral stela.

Christianity took a while to catch on. This 9th century stela...

...still had pagan patterns on the back.

A 15th century Basque ship from the Bay of Biscay

The competition is steep, but Bilbao has some of the best tapas in Spain.