Sociedad Bilbaina

Climbing from the the Arenal bridge and walking to the calle Navarra, we come across the distinguished building which has been declared of cultural interest and houses one of the most select private clubs in the Vizcayan capital, created in 1839. In its beginnings, La Sociedad Bilbaina had its headquarters in Plaza Nueva, but in 1913 it moved to its present site. This building with its emblematic facade and large bay windows, was built by Emiliano Amnan. Founded as a place of relaxation and recreation in the purest European style of the time, this magnificent club has one of the most important private libraries in Spain, containing more than 40,000 volumes, including incunabula. This outstanding building is opulently decorated inside, and some of the most important personalities in the areas of economics, finance and culture have passed through its doors. Apart from general club rooms, it has areas for games like chess and billiards. The general public are allowed into its restaurant and English bar. Women cannot become members of the Sociedad Bilbaina. Given the matriarchal nature of Basque society, it is worth respecting the exclusive masculinity of this domain.

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