Gernika: Culture, Nature and Historic Sites

Gernika lies at the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a natural area of great ecological interest and exceptional beauty.

Culture and History

The Casa de Juntas de Gernika is a purely neoclassical building. The building was erected between 1826 and 1833 under the direction of architect Antonio de Etxebarria. The Gothic church of Santa María is considered the oldest building in Gernika. It is also regarded as one of the most important historical monuments in Bizkaia and bears witness to more than five centuries of history. The Tree of Gernika is considered a universal symbol of the Basque people and one of the sights visitors should see in Gernika. The Picasso mural “Guernica” was installed in 1997 to mark the 60th anniversary of the bombing. For historic buildings, current visiting hours should be checked before arrival if access is planned for a specific time. Thus, neoclassical architecture, Gothic ecclesiastical architecture, Basque symbolism and a mural stand side by side within a cultural theme.

Museo de la Paz

The Museo de la Paz de Gernika is centrally located on Plaza de los Fueros, opposite the town hall and next to the cultural centre. It is approximately 50 metres from the tourist information office and the church of Santa María. The Casa de Juntas, the Museo Euskal Herria and the Europa-Park der Völker are also nearby. The museum can be reached by road, by train with Eusko Trenbideak, by bus with Bizkaibus or by private car. For museums, current opening hours should be checked before arrival. Current timetables should be checked for train and bus connections.

Nature

The estuary of the Oka River is one of Gernika’s most important attractions and displays a vibrant variety of landscapes. This diversity has been shaped by the centuries-long, balanced coexistence of nature with the 22 settlements located there. The Oka Estuary therefore represents landscape diversity and the long-standing coexistence of nature and settlements. For walks through natural landscapes, current route conditions should be checked before the journey.

Way of Saint James

The municipality of Gernika-Lumo has particular significance on the Coastal Route of the Way of Saint James. The pilgrimage route complements the cultural and scenic sites with a religious dimension. For pilgrimage routes, checking current route conditions before setting out is recommended.

The Frontón Gernika Jai Alai has the largest playing area in Europe and the second-largest in the world. Cesta punta is considered the fastest ball sport in the world; with some throws, the ball can reach a speed of 300 km/h. Current event dates at the sports venue should be checked before arrival.

Cuisine

In Gernika, local businesses offer visitors a variety of culinary options. For culinary offerings, current opening hours can be checked before arrival.

Other places include Gautegiz Arteaga, Mundaka, Murueta, Valle De Carranza, Sanfuentes, Zelaia, Urriola and Ermua.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bizkaia.