Bilbao has much to be proud of with its renovated downtown, full of modern architecture designed by the likes of Frank Gehry, Arata Isozaki, Santiago Calatrava, and Norman Foster; however, it is a work of architecture from the late 19th century that has given Bilbao its only World Heritage Site. I didn't meet many tourists in Bilbao who knew of the Vizcaya Bridge, although it is understandable since the bridge is located north of downtown, at the mouth of the Nervion River. In 1893, Spanish architect Alberto Palacio, with his brother Silvestre, completed this remarkable bridge, using an iron superstructure to move a hanging platform between the settlements of Getxo and Portugalete, replacing the ferries that previously carried workers and residents across the river. The bridge quickly became popular and was copied in other parts of the world, including Duluth, Minnesota, in the United States (although this bridge has since been converted into an aerial lift bridge). When I visited the Vizcaya Bridge last May, I could see Spain (and Basque Country) was very proud of this World Heritage Site, with plaques, a flag, and engravings on wood planks all celebrating its status. At the time of my visit, the upper deck on the superstructure of the bridge was only accessible from the west bank of the Nervion, so I purchased a ticket from the vending machine to stand on the passenger section of the platform to cross the river, watching the ships pass below and the wheels of the transporter moving above. Access to the upper deck was via an elevator in the western tower, and required a separate ticket sold in the gift shop. The upper deck had many signs highlighting the history of the bridge, and I also found it amusing to watch the cars and passengers crossing on the platform below. After about a half hour, I found myself on the platform again, returning to where I started, and rejoining my friend who preferred to see the bridge from ground level. The Vizcaya Bridge may not be the most spectacular site I have seen, but I did enjoy learning more about this piece of architectural heritage.

Logistics: The Vizcaya Bridge is easily accessible from downtown Bilbao via the Metro (Line 1 to Areeta on the east bank or Line 2 to Peñota on the west bank); it is a short walk to the river from the Metro stations.