Overview

A humble little hermitage was built between the river and the old city in a fishing area as a sign to sailors that the city was not far away. The hermitage was dedicated to Saint Nicolas de Bari, patron saint of sailors. In the 15th century, thanks to funding from the people of Bilbao, construction began on another church in the Arenal, very close to the Teatro Arriaga, which is pure Baroque with very decorative towers. The church contains sculptures by Juan Pascual de Mena, of the Spanish Academy in Madrid. Masses: 11.30am, Mon-Fri; 6p Sat; noon & 1pm Sun.