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The Plaza Nueva (New Square)
is a monumental square of Neoclassical style built in 1821. Its name comes
from the previously existing Plaza Vieja or Old Square in the place where
the Ribera Market was built. The square is enclosed by archaded buildings
and accessed by arches known as cuevas. The main building was the site
of the Biscay government, until a new palace was built in 1890. The place
is now the site of Euskaltzaindia, the Basque language academy.
The arches host many traditional
taverns and restaurants, some of the most ancient and typical of the city.
Each Sunday the square provides space for a traditional flea market where
books, birds and flowers are sold. The square is used often for folk dances,
festivals and concerts. |
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