What to see and do in Gernika-Lumo

Gernika-Lumo is a town in Bizkaia, on the Northern Way, world-famous for Picasso's painting that recreates the 1937 bombing of the town during the Spanish Civil War. Only the Assembly House and the Tree of Gernika survived that attack; today pilgrims can also visit Chillida's Monument to Peace, the Church of Santa María, and the Euskal Herria Museum.

A little history

Founded in the 14th century, the most significant event in its history is the tragic destruction suffered in 1937. As a result, no remains of the original medieval town have survived to the present day. The city saw 85% of its buildings destroyed, leading to its inclusion in the National Service of Devastated Regions for its subsequent reconstruction.

Would you like to walk this part of the Camino with your accommodation booked for every stage? These organised trips pass through Gernika-Lumo: Northern Way from Irún to Bilbao.

Assembly House (Casa de Juntas)

It is a monumental complex that represents one of the few civilian buildings that survived the bombing of 1937. However, the current building is a remodeling done in neoclassical style. Perhaps the most representative feature of the complex is the Tree of Gernika, an oak tree under which the meetings of the Señorío de Vizcaya were traditionally held.

Peace Monument

It is a sculpture by the brilliant artist Eduardo Chillida, unveiled on 27 April 1988, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragic bombings of the Civil War. The sculpture is located in the Park of the Peoples of Europe and its title translates to "Our Father's House".

Church of Santa Maria

Located near the monumental complex of the Assembly House, this church, built in the 15th century, combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Walckler organ (19th century) located inside the temple is particularly remarkable.

Euskal Herria Museum

This museum is located in the baroque palace of Alegria, rebuilt in 1733. The main objective of this museum is to show an exhibition that helps to grasp the historical, political, and cultural significance of the Basque territory.

Mural of Guernica by Picasso

It is a mural representation of Guernica, ideal for all those who have never had the pleasure of contemplating the original painting exhibited in the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.

www.gernika-lumo.eus