In the heart of Bilbao, a significant discovery has been made regarding the city’s venerable plane trees, the Plátanos del Arenal, which are now scientifically dated to be around 130 years old. This breakthrough comes as part of a research project conducted by the University of Valladolid, collaborating with the Bilbao City Council.
The RESISTE project revealed that not only do the Arenal plane trees boast impressive ages, but other trees in the city, such as those in Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, exceed 120 years, while trees in Plaza de San Vicente and Jardines de Albia are more than 170 years old. Many of these ancient trees were initially planted in the early to mid-19th century and have withstood various challenges, including the devastating floods of 1983 and the severe drought of 1990, as well as significant urban developments like the underground parking facility in Arenal.
Researchers emphasized the importance of these trees, stating, “These trees are witnesses to the history of Bilbao. The chemical composition of their wood reflects the rise and fall of the city’s ironworks industry. Their insights are crucial for understanding the transformation of the city.”
This unique historical connection between nature and urban development provides not only a valuable glimpse into Bilbao’s past but also highlights the resilience of nature in an urban landscape. As the city continues to grow and evolve, preserving such historic trees can play a vital role in maintaining the heritage and biodiversity of urban spaces, offering a living reminder of the city’s journey through time.