Doña Casilda Iturrizar park

Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. It is the largest and most emblematic public garden in the city of Bilbao. Designed in the early 20th century by landscape architect Ricardo de Bastida, the park is a prime example of an English-style garden and serves as a vital green lung within the Abando district. Named after philanthropist Casilda de Iturrizar, its creation marked a significant period of urban expansion and modernization for the city following the industrial boom of the late 19th century.

History

The park's origins are tied to the late 19th-century urban development of Bilbao, driven by wealth from the mining and steel industries. The land was donated by the widow Casilda de Iturrizar, a prominent benefactor whose family fortune was linked to trade with the Americas. The project was formally initiated in 1907, with the design awarded to municipal architect Ricardo de Bastida, who was influenced by the English landscape garden movement. Construction took place between 1912 and 1920, a period that also saw the completion of nearby landmarks like the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. The park was inaugurated during the tenure of mayor Federico Moyúa, becoming a central feature of the Ensanche expansion. It has since witnessed numerous city events and renovations, including significant updates for the Bilbao International Exhibition of 1919 and later adaptations to host facilities like the Museo de Reproducciones Artísticas.

Description and features

The park's layout is characterized by winding paths, open lawns, and artificial ponds, centered around a large, picturesque lake often populated with waterfowl. Notable architectural features include the elegant music kiosk, a legacy of early 20th-century park design, and the former Museo de Reproducciones Artísticas, a Neoclassical building. A prominent fountain, the Fuente de los Delfines, serves as a focal point. The park is equipped with traditional elements such as pergolas, benches, and lampposts that reflect its historic character. It seamlessly integrates with the surrounding urban fabric, providing vistas towards major institutions like the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and is a key component of the city's network of green spaces that includes the Campo Volantín and Deusto riverside walks.

Flora and fauna

The arboreal collection is diverse and mature, featuring species such as dawn redwoods, Atlas cedars, southern magnolias, London planes, and several varieties of palms. Seasonal displays of rhododendron, azalea, and roses provide year-round color. The central lake supports a population of mallards, swans, and coots, while the tree canopy is inhabited by common urban birds like sparrows, starlings, and pigeons. The careful selection and maintenance of plant life by the Bilbao City Council's parks service create distinct microhabitats, from shaded groves to sunny flowerbeds, contributing to local biodiversity within the metropolitan area.

Cultural significance

For over a century, it has been a fundamental social and cultural space for the citizens of Bilbao, hosting open-air concerts, traditional festivals, and family gatherings. Its design and history reflect the Belle Époque aspirations of the Bilbao bourgeoisie and the city's transition into a modern European center. The park frequently appears in local literature, photography, and postcards as a symbol of civic pride. It forms part of a cultural axis with neighboring institutions like the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, reinforcing the area's status as the city's primary cultural district. Events such as the Aste Nagusia (Big Week) celebrations often incorporate the park's spaces.

Management and access

The park is owned and maintained by the Bilbao City Council, specifically through its Department of the Environment and Public Space. Daily operations, including gardening, cleaning, and conservation of heritage elements, are managed by municipal services. It is freely accessible to the public year-round during daylight hours, with perimeter gates closed at night. The park is excellently connected by Bilbobus lines, the Bilbao tram (with a stop nearby), and is a short walk from the Abando railway station and the San Mamés metro station. Security is provided by the Ertzaintza (Basque police) and local municipal officers.