Home of the patron saint of the historical territory of Bizkaia, the basilica of Andra Mari de Begoña is one of the most important in the province.
Located in the upper part of the city of Bilbao, the Andra Mari Basilica of Begoña represents part of the history of all Biscayan men and women. A jewel of Biscayan architecture, whose visit is usually merged with a visit to Etxebarria Park, another of the emblematic spaces of Bilbao, a place where some of the most important events of the city’s festivities, Bilboko Aste Nagusia, are held. We encourage you to continue your adventure through the capital of Bizkaia, remembering the iron and steel past of the city through one of its last remains, the Etxebarria chimney. A visit, which we recommend to finish in the Old Town, making use of the Calzadas de Mallona.
4 reasons to visit the Basilica of Andra Mari de Begoña.
History: The Virgin Begoña, better known in Bilbao as amatxu Begoña, is one of the most beloved religious figures in all of Bizkaia. Testimony of this is the basilica that bears her name, one of the most significant temples of Bilbao. Although there have been several occasions in which the figure of Amatxu Begoña has traveled through the neighborhoods of Bilbao trying to bring peace and tranquility to all its inhabitants, we must highlight the floods of Bilbao, one of the most important catastrophes that the city has suffered over the years. A dramatic situation that caused many people to seek help from this Basque temple.
In Bizkaia, as in Gipuzkoa, religion and fishing have always gone hand in hand, two very present estates throughout the Basque coast to which we owe some of the names that today bear our squares, streets and neighborhoods. An example of this is the nucleus of La Salve, the name with which the fishermen baptized this neighborhood in Bilbao, the reason: being the first point from where you could see the sanctuary and greet it with the Salve.
Architecture: When talking about the architecture of the basilica of Andra Mari de Begoña, we must remember its origin, a small hermitage on which the current building was built in the sixteenth century. After a century of works, the construction of the basilica was concluded leaving the 3 naves covered with vaults that compose this building. During the years 1993 and 1994 renovation works were carried out on part of the basilica, improvements that helped to maintain the essence of what it was in the past.
Petitions and thanks: There are many who come to the Basilica of Andra Mari de Begoña asking for success in specific moments of their lives. Petitions, which extend to the sports field represented by the most outstanding teams of the city. Both Athletic Club de Bilbao and Bilbao Basket, the city’s soccer and basketball teams respectively, usually pray and thank the Virgin Begoña for the achievements obtained in each season.
Popular festivals: The most important festival that we can find around the Virgin Begoña is on August 15, one of the most important days of the city of Bilbao, when the city is immersed in full festivities.
Mass: The Basilica of Andra Mari de Begoña covers all kinds of ecclesiastical events. If you are Catholic, this is undoubtedly one of the temples you should visit during your visit to Bilbao.
The number of tourists visiting the sanctuary is increasing exponentially. How about you? Do you know the Basilica of Andra Mari de Begoña?
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