The historical legacy of a place like Guernica, in the Basque Country, is one of the main reasons to visit, but not the only one. This town in Biscay combines fantastic landscapes, unique cuisine, traditional heritage, and a rich historical memory. In addition, Gernika-Lumo, its official name, is located just a short distance from the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a natural area well worth visiting. Naturally, this town became famous thanks to Pablo Picasso’s painting, but we can’t ignore everything else it has to offer.
On your next trip to Biscay, include Guernica in your itinerary: you’ll see it’s worth it.
History of Guernica and Picasso’s famous painting
The town of Guernica was founded by Count Don Tello in 1366, gaining significant importance for the region’s politics and culture. Several social gatherings were held here under the Gernika Oak, which contributed to the traditional self-government of the Basque Country. But there was one episode that marked a turning point in the history of this place: the bombing of the town by the German Condor Legion and the Italian Aviazione Legionaria, an attack that caused numerous casualties and massive destruction.
This put Guernica and the Basque Country on the international stage and gave rise to the painting Guernica, by Pablo Picasso, which was first exhibited at the International Exposition in Paris, becoming a powerful symbol of art against the horrors of war. That said, you won’t be able to see the painting on your next visit to Guernica, as the original is housed in the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. However, in this Basque town you can learn more about the history of the bombing and visit several sites related to the event.
Main places to see in Guernica
Besides learning more about the history of this place, there are several reasons to justify a visit:
Gernika Peace Museum
Here you can learn about the historical context of the bombing and the importance of peace. There are several exhibitions that will help you understand why Guernica is famous.
Euskal Herria Museum
To learn more about the Basque Country, you can visit the Euskal Herria Museum, dedicated to sharing information about the region’s traditions, history, culture, and identity.
Church of Santa María
This Gothic building is an important part of the town’s heritage. It survived the 1937 bombing and is one of the most significant historical sites in Guernica.
Europe Park
If you want to take a break on your trip to learn about the history of Guernica and the Basque Country, we suggest visiting this park, also known as Peace Park, which is home to beautiful sculptures and offers a natural setting to relax and stroll around.
The Gernika Oak and the Casa de Juntas
This is a key spot in Guernica and something you can’t miss on your trip. The Casa de Juntas and the Gernika Oak are an essential part of Basque politics, as this was where various representatives from the region used to meet to discuss policy, regulations, and other matters affecting Biscay’s social structure. The tree is now a symbol of freedom, with great significance for the people of Guernica.
It’s worth noting that the current tree is not the original one, although you can still see the trunk of the native oak. The Casa de Juntas is still in operation and serves as the seat of the General Assembly of Biscay. Several official ceremonies take place here, including the swearing-in of the Lehendakari.
Gastronomy and culture in Guernica and the Basque Country
Don’t miss the chance to learn more about Basque cuisine, one of the richest in the world. In its bars you’ll find countless pintxos, and in its restaurants you’ll understand why the region’s cuisine is so famous and studied all over the world. Gernika beans are one of the most representative traditional dishes, as are Gernika peppers, which are fried and eaten at various times throughout the day.
For lovers of local produce, Mondays are a great day to visit, as that’s when the weekly farmers’ market takes place, where you can try and buy some of the most important ingredients in Basque cuisine.
If you’re interested in other highlights of Basque culture, we suggest visiting the Jai Alai fronton, an iconic venue for the sport of cesta punta.
How to get there and plan your visit
Just 33 kilometers from Bilbao, the town of Guernica is well connected to the main roads and makes for an easy day trip. You can get there easily by car or by public transport, which also works very well. To help you decide how much time to spend here, the main points of interest can be seen in half a day, but if you want to explore the museums, enjoy a relaxed meal, and stroll around at a leisurely pace, you should set aside a full day.
Our recommendation is to start with the Casa de Juntas and the Gernika Oak; then head toward the town center and visit the Church of Santa María and the Peace Museum; next, the Euskal Herria Museum is perfect for learning more about the region’s history and culture; finally, if you have time and want a plan with more nature, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve offers green areas, coastal villages, and beautiful trails.
Discover the history of Guernica and the Basque Country (and much more)
We’ll say it again: Guernica is much more than the story of a bombing and the name of a painting by Picasso, which, by the way, is famous all over the world. It’s also a place of great beauty, with a rich history and great significance for freedom and peace. Its cuisine is fantastic, which comes as no surprise given we’re in the Basque Country, and its location, just a short distance from Bilbao, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, and several coastal towns, makes it perfect for a day trip.
And if you still don’t have accommodation for your next trip to the Basque Country, at Fidalsa Holidays we have just what you need: fantastic vacation rentals, in the best locations and with all the comfort and luxury you deserve. Don’t wait any longer, book online at the best price and start dreaming about your next trip.