Parque Etxebarria

Etxebarria Park is one of Bilbao's largest green spaces, spread across a hillside right above Casco Viejo, the city's old quarter. Covering roughly 170,000 square metres, it is both a city park and a living reminder of Bilbao's industrial past — until the early 1980s, this ground was occupied by the Aceros Etxebarria steelworks.

Where does the park come from?

The factory was founded in 1878 by José Echevarría and his sons Federico and José, who bought the Rekalde farmhouse and the surrounding land to set up a workshop for rolling and stamping tin plate. Over the following decades the plant grew into one of the landmarks of industrial Bilbao. When the city went through a deep economic restructuring in the 1980s and moved away from heavy industry, the factory was dismantled and the recovered land was turned into a public park. That shift — from working steel plant to open green space for residents — is the defining story behind the park today.

What still recalls the industrial past?

The most recognisable trace of the old factory is a 25-metre chimney, built in 1943. It was deliberately kept standing as a monument to the district's industrial heritage, and it can be spotted from many parts of the city, including the Uribarri neighbourhood and Mount Artxanda. For locals, the chimney is now as much a fixture of the skyline as the city's modern towers.

What views does the park offer?

Because the park sits on the slope of the valley that Bilbao occupies, its paths open onto wide views over the city. From here you can see Casco Viejo, the Arriaga Theatre, the Abando district, as well as newer architectural landmarks like the Isozaki Atea towers and the Iberdrola Tower, along with a stretch of the estuary that runs through Bilbao. Few spots in the city let you frame the old quarter and the modern skyline in the same view.

What can visitors do there?

The park works as a large recreational area, suited both to a quiet walk and to more active use thanks to its sports courts and open playing areas. Given its size and its location right next to the old town, it also serves as a everyday green escape for people living or working nearby.

Once a year, during Aste Nagusia — Bilbao's Great Week, the city's main festival — the park hosts market stalls, and fireworks displays are held here in the evenings, making it one of the focal points of the celebrations.

How do you get there?

Etxebarria is well connected to the rest of the city. The nearest metro stop is Casco Viejo, just a short walk from the park entrance, which makes it easy to combine a visit with a stroll through Bilbao's historic centre.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Etxebarria Park? It covers around 170,000 square metres, making it one of the largest green areas in Bilbao.

What used to stand on this site? Until 1982, the Aceros Etxebarria steelworks operated here, founded in 1878 by the Echevarría family.

What is the chimney visible in the park? It's a 25-metre chimney from 1943, left standing from the old factory as a monument to the district's industrial history.

What views can you get from the park? The park overlooks Casco Viejo, the Arriaga Theatre, the Abando district, the Isozaki towers, the Iberdrola Tower and the Bilbao estuary.

How do you reach Etxebarria Park? The easiest way is by metro to the Casco Viejo stop, a few minutes' walk from the park.

Are there events held in the park? Yes — during Aste Nagusia the park hosts festival stalls and evening fireworks displays.