Information
Landmark: Dona Casilda Iturrizar ParkCity: Bilbao
Country: Spain
Continent: Europe
Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park, Bilbao, Spain, Europe
Overview
In Bilbao, Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park stands as the city’s most beloved green escape, where locals and travelers alike stroll shaded paths and pause by the fountain to breathe in the quiet.Locals call it Bilbao’s “green lung,” a sprawling park of nearly 100,000 square meters in Indautxu, just a short stroll from the Fine Arts Museum and the gleaming curves of the Guggenheim.Founded in 1907, Bilbao’s oldest park bears the name of Doña Casilda Iturrizar, a generous philanthropist who gave her land so locals could stroll beneath its leafy trees and enjoy the open air.Main features and standout details, like the quick one-touch start.Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park was laid out in the romantic garden style, the kind that swept through Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with winding paths and quiet, shaded corners.Winding paths weave through shady groves, past still ponds and stone statues, giving the park a quiet, storybook charm.Towering cedars, fragrant pines, glossy magnolias, and bursts of seasonal blooms keep it welcoming in every season.The park bursts with life, home to countless plants and flocks of bright-feathered birds.At its heart, a calm lake ripples around a tiny island, while a graceful fountain sends water sparkling into the air.Swans glide across the water while ducks paddle nearby, and a turtle basks on a sun‑warmed rock, all adding to the lake’s calm.At night, the fountain glows, scattering ripples of color across the water and wrapping the lake in a warm, inviting mood.On sunny afternoons, people gather along its edge, snapping photos or simply leaning back to enjoy the view.In the park’s center, a columned pergola stands open to the air, perfect for small gatherings, live music, or community events.Just steps away, the music pavilion comes alive with concerts, especially during Bilbao’s lively annual festivals.It harks back to the old bandstands where neighbors would crowd together for concerts or summer fairs, the air warm with music and laughter, and the park’s dotted with striking statues and monuments worth a closer look.At the center stands the statue of Doña Casilda Iturrizar, honoring the generosity that once filled the city’s orphanages and gardens.Scattered across the park, the sculptures shift from elegant classical busts to bold modern pieces, splashing art into the greenery.For families, there’s a playground alive with swings creaking in the breeze, slides, and a climbing frame ready for small adventures.Kids flock here to play, especially when the weekends roll around or a holiday’s in the air.The park’s got tennis and basketball courts, with the thump of a ball echoing across the grass.Joggers and walkers often take to the park’s broad paths, breathing in the scent of fresh grass as they move.Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is also known for its aviary, home to bright parrots, regal pheasants, and peacocks that fan their jeweled tails.Children and nature lovers flock to the aviary, where the flutter of wings adds to the park’s calm, green charm.Doña Casilda Park isn’t just a patch of trees-it’s a cultural landmark.Seasonal festivals light up the streets, concerts fill the air with music, and art exhibitions draw curious crowds, making it a lively gathering spot for leisure and community events in Bilbao.All year long, people come here for open-air events, but during Semana Grande-Bilbao’s biggest festival-the park bursts to life with music, laughter, and the smell of sizzling food.The park sits right in the heart of Bilbao, just a short stroll from the Fine Arts Museum and the main shopping streets.Smooth, well-kept paths and gentle ramps make it easy for everyone to get around, including wheelchair users.You’ll find restrooms, cool water fountains, and benches shaded by old plane trees scattered along the way.Little kiosks and corner cafés dot the park, serving coffee, sandwiches, and ice cream to passersby.The park stays open all year, with most paths and lawns welcoming visitors day and night.Certain spots, like the aviary, keep shorter hours, so it’s worth checking ahead.Entry’s free, inviting everyone to wander under the shade of old plane trees and linger as long as they like.Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park remains a heartbeat of Bilbao, blending leisure and culture in a beautifully kept green space.Lush gardens spill into a quiet lake, and winding paths lead to surprising little attractions, making it a perfect break for locals and visitors alike-proof of Bilbao’s commitment to protecting pockets of green in the heart of the city.Whether you’re after a quiet spot to unwind under the shade of tall plane trees, a chance to soak in the sights and sounds of nature, or a lively afternoon at a local festival, Doña Casilda Park welcomes you with something for everyone.
