Zubizuri Bridge

The Zubizuri — Basque for "white bridge" — is Santiago Calatrava's contribution to Bilbao's architectural renaissance. The tied-arch footbridge crosses the Nervión near the Guggenheim, its pure white arch and glass-panelled deck arcing gracefully over the water. It is one of Calatrava's most elegant bridges and one of the most photographed objects in the city.

Walking across it connects the Guggenheim waterfront with the Campo Volantín neighbourhood. At night, lit from below, it is particularly photogenic. The Guggenheim, the Zubizuri, and the adjacent riverside parks all came together as part of the same urban regeneration project that transformed the old industrial docks into Bilbao's signature public space.

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A story
When the Zubizuri opened in 1997 — the same year as the Guggenheim — locals immediately complained that its glass floor was slippery when wet. Santiago Calatrava, the architect, reportedly refused to modify the design. The city eventually laid carpet over the glass. Calatrava then sued the city for altering his work without permission.