Bilbao Cathedral Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Bilbao Cathedral
Cathedral Basilica of Saint James
Basílica Catedral de Santiago Done Jakue Basilika-Katedrala
West portico.
43°15′25″N 2°55′26″W / 43.25694°N 2.92389°W / 43.25694; -2.92389
Location	Bilbao
Country	Spain
Denomination	Catholic
History
Status	Cathedral
Dedication	James the Great
Dedicated	30 December 1955
Architecture
Style	Gothic, Gothic Revival
Groundbreaking	14th Century
Completed	15th Century
Specifications
Nave height	22.5 m (74 ft)
Tower height	64 m (210 ft)
Bells	11
Administration
Metropolis	Burgos
Diocese	Bilbao

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint James is a beautiful Catholic church in Bilbao, Spain. It is also known as Basílica Catedral de Santiago in Spanish and Done Jakue Basilika-Katedrala in Basque. This cathedral is dedicated to James the Great, an important apostle.

It became a special stop for pilgrims traveling the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago. This is a famous journey that many people take. In 2015, the cathedral was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is a very important place for everyone to protect.

History of the Cathedral
- Early Beginnings
- Becoming a Basilica and Cathedral
Architectural Style
- Gothic and Gothic Revival
- Unique Stone Carvings
Gallery
See also

History of the Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint James is one of the oldest buildings in Bilbao. It was first built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Back then, it was the main church for the city.

Early Beginnings

The church stands where an even older temple once was. This first temple might have been there before Bilbao was founded in 1300. At that time, Bilbao was just a small fishing village.

Becoming a Basilica and Cathedral

In 1819, the church was given the title of a minor basilica. This is a special honor for a church. Later, in 1887, a new tower with a tall spire and a west entrance were finished. These parts were designed by a local architect named Severino de Achúcarro.

On December 30, 1955, the church became a full cathedral. This happened when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bilbao was officially created. A cathedral is the main church for a bishop's area.

Architectural Style

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint James shows a mix of different building styles. It has parts from the 15th century and newer additions.

Gothic and Gothic Revival

You can see the Gothic style in the cloister and the main ceiling. The cloister is a peaceful courtyard with covered walkways. There is also a beautiful entrance called the Puerta del Angel (Angel's Door). It leads to Correo street.

The front of the cathedral and its bell tower are in the Gothic Revival style. This means they were built later to look like older Gothic buildings.

Unique Stone Carvings

A fun fact about the cathedral is its stone carvings. Along the outside walls, you can see carvings of local merchants. These are people who traded goods in the city long ago. It's a unique way to remember the city's history.