Now officially named Azkuna Zentroa, Alhóndiga is a 20th-century winehouse converted into a civic centre that lies in the heart of Bilbao.
What’s inside Alhóndiga?
As you walk in through the main entrance, your eyes will first be drawn to a huge screen hanging off the ceiling with continuous footage of the sun. When your gaze comes back down to ground, you’ll find a striking, extensive space with three interior buildings propped up by a series of decorated, swirling pillars.
According to the Azkuna Zentroa website, there are 43 columns. Each one is unique and represents “the infinite number of cultures, architectures, wars and religions that have influenced humankind throughout history”.
These three blocks house a library, a gym and offices. One of the most striking features is being able to view the bottom of the gym’s swimming pool from the ground floor.
To the right of the main entrance, there is a small gift shop called ‘dendAZ’ selling local ecological items produced by Basque designers and artists.
On the left, there is a stylish bistro cafe called ‘Hola Bar’ and next to that a more traditional bar, ‘The Boar’. Alhóndiga also has its own restaurant and a roop-top terrace bar.
Heading down to the lower floors, there is an auditorium, a multi-screen cinema (which also shows original English-language version films – very rare in Bilbao) and an exhibition space displaying works by Basque artists.
In addition to all this, the main atrium regularly hosts interesting art installations, presentations and other cultural events.
You can also book a guided tour of the building via the Azkuna Zentroa website.
Getting to Alhóndiga
The building is just a short walk from Plaza Moyua. If you’re coming on the metro, get off at ‘Moyua’ and take the ‘Elcano’ exit.
Once you get to the roundabout, turn on to Alameda Recalde (on the side of Hotel Carlton) and it’s a three-minute walk up to Alhondiga.
Alternatively, you can take to the metro to ‘Indautxu’, leave via the ‘Urquijo’ exit and it’s a straight walk down to building after getting up to street level.
If you’re looking for more advice about public transport in Bilbao, check out our guide.
The history of Alhóndiga
No ordinary civic centre, Alhóndiga is one of Bilbao’s most impressive and beloved buildings. The brainchild of Ricardo Bastida, the construction of Alhóndiga began in 1905 and finished four years later. At the time, its design and construction process made it state of the art.
For around seven decades, the building housed the city’s wine and oil stores until it fell into disuse in the late ’70s.
There was much debate about what to do with the structure. Different reformation projects were mooted, including turning it into housing, knocking it down entirely or using the space to construct the Guggenheim Museum.
Eventually, the Basque Government green-lit a previous plan to convert the building’s interior into a sports and cultural centre.
French designer Philippe Starck was tasked with transforming the structure into a space for public use.
The building was re-opened in 2010 and in 2014 it was renamed in honour of Bilbao’s late, long-term mayor Iñaki Azkuna.
LOCAL TIP – Don’t just stay inside Alhóndiga, there are some great bars and restaurants in its vicinity. Fernández Campo Kalea (behind the building) is a lively street with some fantastic spots. Head to Zarate Taberna to try some of the best Spanish omelette in the city!
