Zorrotzaurre facts for kids
Zorrotzaurre (which is Zorrozaurre in Spanish) is a special artificial island found in the Deusto area of Bilbao, Spain. It's a modern part of the city that has changed a lot over time.
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How Zorrotzaurre Became an Island
Zorrotzaurre wasn't always an island. It started as a peninsula in the 1950s and 1960s. This happened when people began digging a canal to make it easier for ships to travel in the estuary of Bilbao.
The Canal Project
The canal project was stopped in 1968, with about 400 meters left to dig. This meant Zorrotzaurre stayed a peninsula for many years. During the 1960s, many factories and businesses moved to this area, making it a busy industrial hub.
Changes in the 1980s
However, in the 1980s, Bilbao faced a big industrial crisis. Many factories in Zorrotzaurre had to close down or move away. Only a few businesses managed to stay open.
Becoming an Island in 2018
A new plan to improve the neighborhood was approved in 2012. This plan was designed by a famous architect named Zaha Hadid. As part of her plan, the canal was finally finished. On October 8, 2018, the canal officially opened, turning the former peninsula into a true island!
Connecting the Island
Two important bridges now connect Zorrotzaurre Island to the Deusto area:
- The Frank Gehry Bridge was opened in 2015.
- The San Ignacio Bridge was completed in 2020.
These bridges help people and traffic move easily between the island and the rest of Bilbao.
See also
- In Spanish: Zorrozaurre para niños
