Gernika and the Guernica painting


On Monday, April 26th 1937, more than 80 years ago, the German Nazi Luftwaffe Condor Aviation bombed the small town of Guernica, one of the first bombings over a defenseless civilian population. 

This operation, called "Rügen", caused the death of several inhabitants of Guernica (a town called by Basques Gernika) and nearby villages as Monday was, and still is, a market day.

It was not a big city, or a town strategically located, but it was the place where one of the oldest Basque symbols stood, the Tree of Gernika. A key movement to destroy the moral of the Republicans of Bilbao during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).


Gernika private tourguide
Tree of Gernika where Biscay people meet
The tree of Gernika is a symbol of the ancient Basque laws. Interestingly the tree survived to the bombing and fire and passed away on 2004.

The Guernica bombing was well known thanks to the work of several British war journalists, specially George Steer from "The Times". 

And the name of the city Gernika or Guernica, became a worldwide anti-war symbol after the painting made by Picasso "Guernica".

Gernika private tour guide
A picture in front of Picasso's Guernica painting of your favorite tourguide


Do you want to see this village and learn about this and other stories hidden in the Unesco Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai in a private tour

Contact with details of your desired tour through my contact form.