San Anton Church and Bridge

The Church of San Antón stands on Calle Navarra at the edge of Casco Viejo in Bilbao, in Spain's Basque Country, beside the Puente de San Antón over the Nervion river. The Gothic church is so closely identified with the city that it appears on Bilbao's coat of arms, together with the bridge, and the pairing of church and bridge has long served as a symbol of Bilbao. The present church was rebuilt in the 16th century on the site of earlier fortifications, and its tower, nave and chapels reflect the late Gothic style, with later alterations. Visitors can see the exterior, with its sturdy tower and buttressed walls, and, when the church is open around Mass times, the interior with its vaulted nave and altarpieces. The bridge beside it, in its present form, replaced earlier structures that stood in the same position, and it offers a close view of the church reflected in the river. A visit takes around 30 minutes, which makes it a natural stop on the walk between the Ribera Market, the Siete Calles and the riverside promenade. The best photographs are taken from the bridge itself, from the riverbank near the market and from the opposite shore at the end of the day, when low sun lights the stonework. The church is an active place of worship, so interior visits depend on Mass times, and visitors should dress modestly and stay quiet during services. Crowds are small, and the area is busiest at weekends and when the nearby market and bars are crowded in the evenings. The bridge and exterior can be visited at any hour at no charge, and entry to the church is free. Casco Viejo metro station is three minutes away on foot, and the Basque Museum and the cathedral are close, so the church fits well into a morning old-town route.