Basilica of Begona (Amatxu)

The Basilica of Begoña, known locally as Amatxu, crowns a hill above the Calzadas de Mallona in Bilbao, in Spain's Basque Country. It is the sanctuary of the Virgin of Begoña, the patron of Biscay, and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The building was begun in a Gothic style in the 16th century and has been altered and restored since, so its interior combines a tall Gothic nave with later decoration and a richly dressed image of the Virgin above the altar. The climb is part of the experience: from the old quarter, visitors follow the Calzadas de Mallona, a long run of stone steps that rises through the Begoña neighbourhood and takes around 15 to 20 minutes on foot. As an alternative, Bilbobus services and a lift in the neighbourhood reduce the climb. At the top the forecourt and terraces look across the roofs of Casco Viejo and the river towards the hills, and the sanctuary is also a popular place for weddings and local devotions, especially around the feast of the Virgin in August, when pilgrims arrive in large numbers. Visits usually take about 45 minutes including the walk around the exterior and the interior of the church. Photographers favour the view back down over the old quarter and the exterior of the basilica from the stairs. The interior is an active place of worship, so visitors should dress modestly and avoid entering during services. Crowds are small on weekday mornings and larger on Saturdays and Sundays, when weddings and visiting groups gather. Entry is free, and hours follow the church's schedule, generally with morning and evening openings around Mass times, so checking with Bilbao Turismo helps to avoid arriving when the doors are closed. A walk up to the basilica is best done in cooler hours.