Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is a large public garden in Bilbao’s Abando district, beside the Fine Arts Museum and within walking distance of the Guggenheim. Created in the early 20th century, it pairs tree-shaded paths and open lawns with fountains, ponds and a flower-covered pergola. The Duck Pond is the park’s best-known stop, with waterfowl and a fountain nearby. Come for a quiet walk, a picnic or a pause between museums; families can also make use of the playgrounds.
A park shaped by a donation
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park opened in 1907 and takes its name from Casilda Iturrizar, a Bilbao philanthropist who donated the land. The garden was laid out in a Romantic style, with winding paths, lawns and water features. Its English-style design gives the park a distinct garden character within the city.
Iturrizar also supported cultural and charitable institutions in Bilbao. The park’s public lawns and paths now provide a place to walk or rest in the Abando area, close to the Fine Arts Museum and the Guggenheim.
Ponds, fountains and garden details
The Duck Pond, known locally by the park’s nickname, draws attention to the waterfowl that gather there. Fountains add movement and sound, and one has a water display. The park also has a pergola, flowerbeds and sculptures set among its paths. The pergola is especially striking when its wisteria is in bloom.
Trees include maples, lindens, cedars and palms, among many other kinds. Benches and shaded spots make it easy to pause along the way. The park’s mix of planted areas, water and open grass means you can take a short stroll or spend longer wandering between its different corners.
A pause between Bilbao sights
The park sits beside the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and is a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum. Its location makes it an easy outdoor stop when moving between the museums or exploring central Bilbao. Palacio Euskalduna and the estuary are also nearby.
Families can use the playgrounds, and the open lawns give children room to move. Walking and cycling paths run through the park, and there are picnic tables. Dogs are permitted, with an off-leash area toward the north-west near the Meliá hotel; that area has no fence. The park is open around the clock, so an early visit can suit anyone hoping for a quieter walk.
Häufige Fragen
Is Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park free to enter?
Yes. It is a public park, and there is no entry fee stated for visiting it.
How long should I spend in the park?
The park works for a short walk or a longer pause among the ponds, lawns and paths. The available information does not give a typical visit length.
Can I bring my dog to the park?
Yes, dogs are allowed. The off-leash area is in the north-west part of the park and is not fenced.
What is near Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park?
The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is beside the park, and the Guggenheim Museum is within walking distance. Palacio Euskalduna is also nearby.
