Plaza Circular (Circular Square), Bilbao

Circular Square has historically marked the ceremonial entrance to the Ensanche district and Bilbao’s modern growth. At its heart stands the statue of Don Diego López de Haro, the city’s medieval founder, serving as a steadfast focal point and a reminder of the square’s symbolic and historical significance.

Framing the square are a collection of notable buildings that reflect Bilbao’s layered identity. Highlights include the Biscay Tower, the El Corte Inglés department store, the Abando Indalecio Prieto railway station, and the Terminus building-now serving as the city’s tourist office and housing municipal services.

The former La Granja Café, once a cultural landmark, has since been converted into a hotel, preserving its historic character in a modern setting. In 2014, Plaza Circular underwent a thoughtful reconfiguration, expanding pedestrian areas by 50% and restoring the statue of its founder to preserve its legacy.