Diego López de Haro: 10 Facts About the Founder of Bilbao You Didn't Know
Every city has a founder, but few have one as controversial as Bilbao's. Diego López de Haro signed the founding charter in 1300 — yet he was nicknamed 'The Intruder' by his own people. Here are 10 facts that reveal the real story behind the man
1.
Don Diego López de Haro —the fifth of his lineage— was nicknamed “The Intruder” by the people of Bilbao at the time. After the murder of his brother, the Lord of Bizkaia, he claimed the lordship for himself and had to confront his niece, María Díaz de Haro, better known among the people as “María the Good.” Don Diego argued that there was no precedent for the lordship passing to a woman, and the title was eventually granted to him on the condition that, upon his death, his niece would become the new Lady of Bizkaia —which is exactly what happened.
2.
He founded the town of Bilbao on June 15, 1300. Before that, it was a small settlement of sailors and fishermen, although some tower houses already existed, as well as the Church of Santiago (today the cathedral) and three streets: Somera, Artecalle, and Tendería. Ten years later, after his death, María Díaz de Haro re‑founded the town through a privilege charter, using the same terms as Don Diego —but without mentioning him. So Bilbao was, in a way, founded twice.
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3.
Despite the disputes between uncle and niece, their names remain linked at the junction of two major streets in Bilbao: Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro and María Díaz de Haro.
4.
Although he was Lord of Bizkaia and the founder of Bilbao, Don Diego neither was born, nor died, nor spent much of his life in the town. He was a man of wars and political intrigues, and his end came in Algeciras during a military campaign alongside King Ferdinand IV. He did not die in battle but in bed. Some sources say it was due to the plague; others claim it was a gout attack.
5.
The location of his remains is unknown, but what is certain is that they are not in Bilbao. According to chronicles of the time, he was buried in a Franciscan convent in Burgos alongside his wife, Infanta Violante of Castile —daughter of Alfonso X the Wise and sister of the man who murdered Don Diego’s brother.
6.
Don Diego’s brother, Lope Díaz de Haro III —another powerful magnate of the era— died in Alfaro (1288) during a dispute with King Sancho IV the Brave over some usurped castles. He pulled a knife on the king, and the king’s men cut off the hand holding the weapon and struck him on the head with a mace, sending him to the afterlife.
7.
In 1895, a group of Bilbao citizens organized an expedition to Nájera to reclaim the founder’s remains, but the Lope de Haro buried there turned out to be someone else.
8.
Among the high-ranking positions he held during his life were: mayordomo mayor (chief steward), alférez real (royal standard-bearer), adelantado mayor of Castile, and general of the Frontier against the Moors.
9.
The sculpture commemorating the founder of Bilbao was created by artist Mariano Benlliure. Made of bronze and marble, it depicts Don Diego standing, dressed in chainmail with a sword and dagger at his belt. In his right hand he holds the founding charter, and with his left arm he supports his warrior’s helmet.
10.
The sculpture cost 55,000 pesetas. It was originally placed in Plaza Nueva, but it was removed to make space for a bandstand and relocated to its current position in Plaza Circular.
Next time you walk through Plaza Circular, take a moment to look up at Don Diego. He may not have spent much time in Bilbao — but without him, the city simply wouldn't exist
🗺️ Ready to walk in Don Diego's footsteps? Book your guided tour of Bilbao here, and discover the city he founded over 700 years ago.
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