logo
ic_menu

Guernica

1 Foru Plaza, Gernika-Lumo, Euskadi

Description

Guernica (or Gernika in Basque) is the historical seat of the parliament of the province of Biscay (one of three in the Spanish Basque country). It rose to unfortunate international fame after being bombed by Nazi Germany's Luftwaffe in April 1937, on its traditional weekly market day (Monday), something Franco requested with the avowed objective to demoralize the enemy and overthrow the local and Spanish Republican government. Several artworks were created to commemorate the scene, the most famous of which is Picasso's painting, a mural replica of which can be seen in the town. Other attractions include the Oak of Guernica (a metaphor for its provincial assembly), its cesta-punta court considered to be the best in this regional sport, the Euskal Heria Museum, the Gernika Peace Museum, and the church of Santa Maria.

Access & Transport

The town is 33km east of Bilbao by car, at the southern end of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Take the N-634 or AP-8 out of Bilbao and exit onto the BI-635 next to Amorebieta Etxano (after just over 20km). There are regular bus services to/from Bilbao. Guernica is also 90km west of San Sebastian (AP-8 exit 97 onto BI-365)

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit of the town after a walk to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and maybe some time around the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

Meta review

Online reviews for the various sights and activity in town are overall good but do not seem to convey any wow factor, as one would expect given the town's dramatic history and commemoration-oriented activities. The Case de Juntas delivers efficient insights around the Tree and the Biscay Parliament (note that the visit is free, but it is best to book online ahead of time) and the mural is considered an obligatory stop. The Museum of Peace is also relatively popular and described as 'useful' and inviting to reflection.

Environmental & Social

Most of the attractions/sights have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is sustainable and brings economic activity in town.

Conclusion

Gernika won't qualify as a regional highlight for most people but, if you are transiting between San Sebastian and Bilbao and have some interest in history and the Basque Culture, it is a worthy 2-3h stop.

Key positive

Important town in the regional culture

Key negative

No standout monument

Suitability

Most sights are accessible

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:2h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.