The "La Salve" (Spanish for "salute" or "Hail Mary") quarter of Bilbao is so named because it is the first point where sailors returning up the river Nervión, which passes through the city, were able to see the basilica's steeple.
The "La Salve" (Spanish for "salute" or "Hail Mary") quarter of Bilbao is so named because it is the first point where sailors returning up the Nervion, which flows through the city, could see the basilica's spire.