Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro

Overview

The Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro (Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art) is housed in the former Convent of La Encarnación on the slopes above the Casco Viejo. Its collection spans Basque religious art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque, including liturgical silverware, polychrome sculpture, and paintings.

Highlights

• Convent Cloister: A tranquil Renaissance cloister with excellent acoustics, sometimes used for concerts.
• Basque Silver Collection: Elaborate processional crosses, chalices, and reliquaries from parish churches across Bizkaia.
• Polychrome Sculpture: Painted wooden saints and retable fragments from the 15th–17th centuries.

History

The convent was founded by Dominican nuns in 1506 and functioned as a convent until the 19th century. It was converted into a museum of sacred art in 1994, gathering works from parishes across the Diocese of Bilbao to ensure their conservation.

Visitor Tips

• The cloister alone is worth the visit — it's one of the most peaceful spots in the city.
• Small and rarely crowded — ideal for a quiet cultural break.
• Duration: 30–40 minutes.