Basílica de Begoña
Basílica de Begoña
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
519 reviews
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220
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213
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71
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11
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4
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ViajeroEH
Spain5,291 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Sanctuary of the Patroness of Vizcaya, Gothic basilica, modified after the Carlist wars. The building is of great beauty and in addition to the image of its owner it has a beautiful collection of paintings. Highly recommended visit. You can go up by elevator and go down through the mallona roads.
Written April 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zezecamanel
Alcobaca, Portugal2,841 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Beautiful basilica and beautiful architecture. The exterior is sublime and reason for much appreciation. In the interior was the Mass, I entered but did not observe in detail, not to disturb, but what I saw found beautiful and pleased me.
Automatically translated
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aury De Jesus
Carolina, Puerto Rico1,677 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
We visited The Basilica on May 27 2015 as part of our days in Bilbao. There are two options to get to the Basilica of Begoña. The first one is using the stairs located right next to the Unamuno exit of the metro stop “Casco Viejo,” which are called Mallona Stairs(at least 500 stairs). The second possibility is to take the elevator located inside of the metro stop of “Casco Viejo” (entering from Unamuno). The use of the elevator is included in the price of the metro ticket (1.50 €, only 0.80 € with Barik Card).
The stairs end right were the elevator stops. From there, there are signs indicating the direction to the Virgen de Begoña Street, which once you reach, can be followed for approximately 10 minutes until arriving to the church. which sits on the top of a hill overlooking Bilbao.
The basilica in which the Virgin of Begoña, patron saint and spiritual mother of Bizkaia is worshipped, is found on the top of a hill dominating the city. This Gothic church dates from the 16th century and is surrounded by a large park which was given the name of Echevarria after the old steelworks which used to occupy this site and of which only a single chimney stack remains.
The work of Sancho Martínez de Arego, it is built on the site where the Virgin appeared in a vision in the early sixteenth century, and it is mainly Gothic, but mixes several styles. The Basilica is a must for many citizens of Bilbao, who come daily to this sanctuary to venerate the Virgin of Begoña, patron saint of Bizkaia, known locally as the ‘Amatxu’ (Mother).
Seafaring people are also greatly devoted to the Virgin and as a result, there have been many boats registered in Bilbao with the name "Virgin of Begoña" or simply "Begoña" since the 16th century. In addition, it is the custom of sailors to salute the Sanctuary and sing the ‘Salve Regina’ when they first see the church from afar as they come up the river.
The gardens surrounding the church were really quite and pretty.
The stairs end right were the elevator stops. From there, there are signs indicating the direction to the Virgen de Begoña Street, which once you reach, can be followed for approximately 10 minutes until arriving to the church. which sits on the top of a hill overlooking Bilbao.
The basilica in which the Virgin of Begoña, patron saint and spiritual mother of Bizkaia is worshipped, is found on the top of a hill dominating the city. This Gothic church dates from the 16th century and is surrounded by a large park which was given the name of Echevarria after the old steelworks which used to occupy this site and of which only a single chimney stack remains.
The work of Sancho Martínez de Arego, it is built on the site where the Virgin appeared in a vision in the early sixteenth century, and it is mainly Gothic, but mixes several styles. The Basilica is a must for many citizens of Bilbao, who come daily to this sanctuary to venerate the Virgin of Begoña, patron saint of Bizkaia, known locally as the ‘Amatxu’ (Mother).
Seafaring people are also greatly devoted to the Virgin and as a result, there have been many boats registered in Bilbao with the name "Virgin of Begoña" or simply "Begoña" since the 16th century. In addition, it is the custom of sailors to salute the Sanctuary and sing the ‘Salve Regina’ when they first see the church from afar as they come up the river.
The gardens surrounding the church were really quite and pretty.
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BennyMalaga
Malaga, Spain89,732 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
The Basilica of Begoña is located at Calle Virgen de Begoña, 38. The church was constructed over a primitive hermitage starting in 1511, where legend says the Virgin Mary first appeared.
It is known that in 1672 an etching of the Virgin was published. The constructor was Sancho Martinez de Arego. The church has a basilical plan and has three naves without a crossing, covered with vaults. The choir was the work of Martin Ibañez de Zalbidea and was finished in 1621. This work was in the Gothic style. However in the 16th century the façade was changed to a large triumphal arch in the Mannerist style. In 1835 during the first Carlist War, the façade and tower were destroyed. A new façade was finished in 1907 by Jose Maria Basterra and the sacristy was finished in 1903. In 1994 a restoration was made on the stone of the church and also on the clock, bells and carillon. There are 24 bells that were constructed in Sumiswald, Switzerland. The carillon was made in 1922 and can play seven melodies. In 1903 Pope Pius X proclaimed the Virgin of Begoña as the patron saint of Vizcaya. The main altarpiece is Neoclassical and contains the Camarin of the Virgin (Virgin’s chamber).
It is known that in 1672 an etching of the Virgin was published. The constructor was Sancho Martinez de Arego. The church has a basilical plan and has three naves without a crossing, covered with vaults. The choir was the work of Martin Ibañez de Zalbidea and was finished in 1621. This work was in the Gothic style. However in the 16th century the façade was changed to a large triumphal arch in the Mannerist style. In 1835 during the first Carlist War, the façade and tower were destroyed. A new façade was finished in 1907 by Jose Maria Basterra and the sacristy was finished in 1903. In 1994 a restoration was made on the stone of the church and also on the clock, bells and carillon. There are 24 bells that were constructed in Sumiswald, Switzerland. The carillon was made in 1922 and can play seven melodies. In 1903 Pope Pius X proclaimed the Virgin of Begoña as the patron saint of Vizcaya. The main altarpiece is Neoclassical and contains the Camarin of the Virgin (Virgin’s chamber).
Written June 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
observer2011
Leeds, UK548 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
To reach the church I first exited the Casco Viejo Metro station below ground through a tunnel into a hillside lift. You emerge quite high above the old town (great view) followed by a series of uphill walkways to the Basilica which is approached through a grove of trees. Inside I found a mass in progress so waited in the small souvenir shop near the west door. The church side aisles are lined with several fine religious paintings about 5 metres off the ground and this giftshop sells postcards of these (artist not credited) plus ones of the Begona Virgen in her many outfits There are also several cards of paintings by the prolific Basque artist Jose Arrue depicting everyday outdoor scenes of Basque life.
Written October 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IVE-Melle
Melle, Belgium173 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Basilica of Begona in Bilbao is for certain the most beautiful church of Bilbao. The problem is that the church is situated on top of a hill and you have to climb about 285 steps. The alternative is to go via metro station of Casco Viejo and pay for the elevator (1.65 / Person/trip). Then you have only to walk for about 500m light up hill.
Written May 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,120 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We took the Staircase which was 311 steps to get to the top of the hill and walked another 6-7 minutes to get to the church. We did not go inside but walked around outside. There isn't much of a view once you get up there.
Written October 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret T
Peterborough, UK25 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
We decided to walk to the Basilica after eating a cone of chips in the Old Town. On the way up a woman was trying to tell us to hurry because the Basilica closed at eight thirty. We got there just before eight on a very warm evening. On the way back we used our Barik card and caught the Metro to the centre of Bilbao. If you don't want to walk up there is always the Metro or a bus to get you very close.
Written September 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian M
Murcia, Spain181 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
La Begonia is the epicentre of the Basque devotion to the Virgin Mary. We went on her feast day, a long with a zillion other devotees. An easy walk [and paid elevator ride] takes you back to the centre.
Written August 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jojo I
208 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
The Basilica is very beautiful. Even at night it is beautiful. The area is safe to visit at night. There is a nice court yard behind the Basilica. It is a great place to sit and read. A bit further behind the Basilica, there is a great view point. For those who can't walk, it will be a bit difficult getting there. The Basilica is high on top of a hill. You will need to go up endless stairs. Fortunately, there is a lift. But then you still have to go up a hill to get there.
Written September 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this church going to have midnight Mass.
Written December 23, 2017
I actually do not know. Sorry for that.
Written January 22, 2018
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