Gernika has always been the spiritual capital of the Basques and the traditional heart of Basque Nationalism. In the Middle Ages it was the meeting place of the traditional Bizcayan assembly, which met under an oak tree. Later the Spanish kings would come to Gernika to pledge respect for the ancient Basque laws, called “fueros” which came to be the symbol of the traditional rights of the Basque people. These laws, which emphasized a respect for individual liberty, traditionally governed every area of their lives and were strictly adhered to. The laws were maintained through the centuries by democratically elected assemblies (juntas). An oak tree has been maintained to symbolize this ancient democratic tradition. When the old oak tree dies off, a new one is planted from one of its acorns.
Gernika may be best known as the scene of one of the first aerial bombings by the German Condor Legion on April 26, 1937 during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The German planes were attacking to support the efforts of Francisco Franco to overthrow the Spanish Republican government. The town was devastated, though the Biscayan assembly and the oak of Gernika survived.
Gernika rapidly became a world-renowned symbol of civilian suffering resulting from conflict and inspired Pablo Picasso to create the painting Guernica.
The painting screams out that war is a terrible thing. The original masterpiece is on display at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid.
WHAT TO SEE
http://www.euskoguide.com/places-basque-country/spain/guernica-tourism/
Guernica Tree & Biscayan Assembly
Two of the most important political symbols of the Basque Country can be found in Guernica – the Biscayan Assembly House & the Guernica Tree. This is due to the fact that both of these locations are where the Lords of Biscay and Basque politicians have meet to decide the fate of the Basque people.
The Guernica Tree is one such tree that was used as a meeting point for the Basque communities and the Lord of Biscay.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION :Guided visits for groups are offered. It is necessary to call in advance: +34 946 251 138 OPENING TIMES: Everyday: 10 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 6 pm
ADMISSION: Free
WEBSITE: www.jjggbizkaia.net
Guernica Bombing & Painting by Picasso
Pablo Picasso’s «Guernica» – reproduction
Currently, “Guernica” can be seen at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The tourism office offers guided visits that give insight into how life was the day of the bombing. The tour includes a visit to one of the air-raid shelters.
WEBSITE: www.gernika-lumo.net
Guernica Market
Every Monday, people from all over the province arrive in Guernica to buy and sell local produce at the market. But the market is much more than just a place to exchange food items. More importantly, it functions as a gathering point – a place to socialize, eat some good food and maybe even watch a game of pelota.
Peace Museum
The Peace Museum is located in the center of Guernica, at the Fueros Square, right in front of the Town Hall. It is an interactive museum with an extensive photographic and audiovisual exhibition that is a testimony of the survivors from the attack that took place in Guernica on April 26, 1937.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
It is possible to organize a guided visit to the museum. It is necessary to reserve in advance calling +34 94 627 0213 or sending an email to museoa@gernika-lumo.net
OPENING TIMES: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 6 pm / Sundays: 10 am to 2 pm
ADMISSION: Standard ticket: 5 € / Reduced ticket: 3 € (Free for everyone on Sundays)
WEBSITE: www.museodelapaz.org
Euskal Herria Museum
The Euskal Herria Museum is an ethnographic museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Basque Country. The exhibition tries to show visitors the meaning of its historic, political and cultural environment as well as explaining the characteristics of the Basque community.
The museum is divided in four floors, with the ground level being dedicated to the physical environment that has influenced the Basque way of life. The exhibition of the first floor shows the historic evolution of the region, presenting the events that resulted in the current politic situation. The last two floors are dedicated to Basque culture, including information about sports, music, dance, beliefs, myths, etc. The is also an attic that is used for temporary exhibitions.
HOW TO GET TO GERNIKA
From SAN SEBASTIAN to BILBAO
Company: Lurralde Bus – PESA. You should buy your tickets in advance. (http://www.pesa.net)
Address: in PASEO FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA 1
Office schedule: Monday to Friday (6:00 – 20:30)
Saturdays (7:00 – 22:00) / Sundays (8:00 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 22:00)
From BILBAO to GERNIKA
Company: Bizkaibus (http://www.bizkaia.net)
Bus: linea A3513 (Bilbao-Hospital Galdakao-Gernika-Lekeitio)
Address: Bus station, Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, 25
Price: 2,40€
Oficina de turismo: www.gernika-lumo.net
SALIDAS DE BILBAO
De lunes a sábado laborable
07:15* 09:15 11:15* 13:15 15:15* 17:15 19:15* 21:15#
Usac San Sebastian 