| Page Views: 355 Last Visit to Portugalete: October, 2005 I Visit Here Frequently | Portugalete - not just a suburb on Bilbao by timtregenza - last update: Apr 16, 2007 |
| The historic church in Portugalete |
Portugalete is a harbour town in its own right with its own history, even though it is now subsumed by greater Bilbao. It was originally a competitor to Bilbao, but lost out in the 14th century.
About 50,000 live in "Portu", and is sometimes referred denigratingly to, along with neighbouringn Sestao and Barakaldo as "west bank", inferring inferiority to the traditionally more upper class areas of Getxo and Las Arena.
Most famous for the puente colgante - the hanging bridge - the town also offers a beautiful church and an old quarter with pleasant bars to explore. |
| A defensive gate in the old part of Portugalete |
|  | As a coastal town, Portugalete was vulnerable to attack, and defensive structures are still visible. |
| The town hall, Portugalete |
| | Portugalete still made money from industry, as can be seen in some of the architecture. |
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| Pros: | "Worth a visit for the walk along the river and explore the old quarter" | | Cons: | "Go to the Guggenheim first!" | | In A Nutshell: | "Nice afternoon out" |
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