PLACE: Gernika (Bizkaia)

Situated in the Busturialdea district, in the valley of the River Oca we find this lovely town, abounding in history and tradition. Since prehistoric times the vale of Gernika has offered its inhabitants many different possibilities, proof of which is seen in the important sanctuary in the valley, the Santimamiñe Cave (Kortezubi), with its prehistoric paintings, on a par with the quality and richness of the Altamira Caves .

The town was founded in 1366 and is set in a strategic location for the ancient trade routes, with its important natural passageway to the estuary, which for centuries greatly facilitated agriculture, crafts and commerce. Still today, it hosts many of the important festivals, especially the “last Monday of October”, in which Gernika fills its streets with its market stalls and the friendly offer to taste its homegrown country products.

Up on a small hill in the town we find one of the most important places in the Basque Country: the Assembly House and its symbolic tree, which represents the freedom of the Basque people. The Basque laws were written under the shade of its branches until 1876, and had the support of all the towns and villages, which sent two representatives or “Junteros” to the sessions (General Assemblies). After the introduction of the Lords of Biscay to the throne of Castile , it became custom for the Castilian Royalty to come to Gernika to present “so el Árbol” (under the tree) their vow to respect the Biscayan Authorities.

The location of the town at the entrance to the Urdaibai Reserve makes Gernika a place of great interest for those keen on rural and adventure tourism, enabling them to enjoy the wide variety of activities on offer, as well as visiting the neighbouring beaches of Laida and Laga. Gernika is also famous for the sport of “frontón”, the Jai Alai, where visitors and enthusiasts of the Basque pelota sport have the opportunity of witnessing some wonderful and exciting matches on Mondays.