Iglesia de San Vicente de Abando (Church of Saint Vicente de Abando), Bilbao

The Church of Saint Vincent of Abando, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, replaced an earlier Gothic church from 1190, and has since emerged as one of the most exquisite examples of columnar Renaissance architecture in the Basque Country.

A defining feature of the church’s architecture is its hall-plan structure, comprising three naves of equal height supported by eight tall, smooth Tuscan columns with Doric capitals. The vaulting, designed by Martín Ibáñez de Zalbidea, features elaborately ribbed and nine-keyed vaults that enrich the otherwise austere elegance of the interior.

The church’s elegant exterior showcases a Renaissance-style façade, including a monumental yet restrained main portal crafted in 1556 by the workshop of Juan de la Peña. Inside, visitors are greeted by five gilded wooden altarpieces, with the main altarpiece standing out for its intricate detail and fine sculpture work.

Beyond its architectural splendor, the church plays a significant role in Bilbao’s religious and cultural life. It serves as the canonical seat of The Brotherhood of the Passion, which takes part in several heartfelt Semana Santa processions, including the Procession of the Virgen de los Dolores on Good Friday and the popular The Palm Sunday Procession of the Little Donkey procession on Palm Sunday.