Puente de La Salve (La Salve Bridge), Bilbao
La Salve Bridge has carried both cars and culture since its completion in 1972 as a response to traffic congestion and a symbol of modern engineering in Spain. Designed by Juan Batanero, it was one of the first cable-stayed bridges in the country and stands nearly 23.5 meters tall-built with concrete and steel to allow river traffic to pass freely beneath it.
The name “La Salve,” officially adopted in 2016, has deep maritime roots. It refers to the spot where returning sailors first glimpsed the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña and offered a “salve”-a prayer-to the Virgin.
In a nod to Bilbao’s ongoing transformation, the bridge was dramatically reimagined in 2007 by French artist Daniel Buren. Commissioned for the 10th anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum, his work “Arcos Rojos”, meaning Red Arches, added a bold, scarlet frame around the bridge’s pillars. At night, this fiery portal is illuminated, enhancing the cityscape with vivid, modern light.
The name “La Salve,” officially adopted in 2016, has deep maritime roots. It refers to the spot where returning sailors first glimpsed the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña and offered a “salve”-a prayer-to the Virgin.
In a nod to Bilbao’s ongoing transformation, the bridge was dramatically reimagined in 2007 by French artist Daniel Buren. Commissioned for the 10th anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum, his work “Arcos Rojos”, meaning Red Arches, added a bold, scarlet frame around the bridge’s pillars. At night, this fiery portal is illuminated, enhancing the cityscape with vivid, modern light.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bilbao. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Puente de La Salve (La Salve Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Puente de La Salve (La Salve Bridge)
Sight Location: Bilbao, Spain (See walking tours in Bilbao)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Bilbao, Spain (See walking tours in Bilbao)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Bilbao, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Bilbao
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bilbao is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bilbao's Old Town Walking Tour
Bilbao's old town, also known as The Seven Streets, is the medieval heart of the city. Indeed, this ancient neighborhood, a place where the city began and which had been fortified by walls until the late 19th century, today consists of seven main streets and many narrow alleys – called cantons (kantoi, cantón) – that connect them.
Often regarded as a jewel of Basque architecture and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Often regarded as a jewel of Basque architecture and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Bilbao Introduction Walking Tour
Officially founded in 1300 AD by the Lord of Biscay, Bilbao began as a small port settlement. Its sheltered estuary allowed ships to load wool, iron, and other goods bound for northern Europe, while merchants imported salt, wine, and luxury items. The name "Bilbao" likely comes from the Basque words bil, meaning "settlement," and bao, meaning "estuary"-a fitting... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles