Palacio Lezama-Leguizamón

Palacio Lezama-Leguizamón is a striking mansion in Getxo, ranked among the most representative buildings of early 20th-century Biscayan architecture.

The palace sits on the Arriluce promontory along Atxekolandeta street, in Neguri, an upscale district of Getxo known for the modernist and eclectic residences built by wealthy families around the turn of the 20th century. It was built in 1902 for the businessman Luis Lezama Leguizamón, designed by architect José María Basterra. The building was later remodeled by Manuel María Smith, one of the most influential architects in the history of the Bilbao area.

What will you see?

The palace stands out for its almost theatrical silhouette, an effect reinforced by its elevated position on the slope, which lets it dominate the surrounding streets and remain visible from many points across Getxo. From its terraces and windows, the view opens onto the Abra bay, where the Nervión estuary meets the Cantabrian Sea. That combination of drama and setting is one of the reasons it's counted among the most photographed buildings in town.

One detail worth knowing: the palace once housed a private library considered among the finest on the Iberian Peninsula, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1933. Nothing of the collection survives today, though the story remains part of the building's lore.

Who lives there?

Unusually for a tourist landmark, the palace is still owned by the Lezama-Leguizamón family. In the 1960s it was renovated and split into three separate homes, still inhabited by descendants of the family. Because of its architectural value, the building is listed under special protection status, which limits any future alterations.

How to get there?

The palace is located in Neguri, one of Getxo's seafront districts, a short distance from central Bilbao. The easiest way in is by metro on line L1 to Neguri or Bidezabal station, followed by a short walk through the district's quiet, villa-lined streets. Since it's private property, visits are limited to viewing the facade and grounds from the outside — there's no public entrance.

When to visit?

Spring and summer are the best seasons for exploring Getxo, when longer daylight hours make it easy to combine a walk through Neguri with a stop at Ereaga or Arrigunaga beach and a crossing of the nearby Bizkaia Bridge. In the afternoon, the light falls favorably on the palace's facade, which architecture photographers tend to appreciate.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the palace? No — it's private property belonging to the Lezama-Leguizamón family and isn't open to visitors. You can only view it from the outside.

Who designed the palace? The original 1902 design was by architect José María Basterra, commissioned by Luis Lezama Leguizamón; it was later remodeled by Manuel María Smith.

Why is the palace so distinctive? Its position on the Arriluce promontory and its theatrical architectural style make it dominate the surrounding area, visible from many spots in Getxo — one of the symbols of the Neguri district.

How do you get there from Bilbao? The simplest way is by metro (line L1) to Neguri or Bidezabal station, then a short walk through the district's villa-lined streets — just a few minutes on foot.