Gernika, Administrative municipality in Busturialdea region, Basque Country, Spain.
Gernika is an administrative municipality in the Busturialdea region of the Basque Country, located about 30 kilometers northeast of Bilbao. The town sits in a valley near the Bay of Biscay and is crossed by the Oka River, which shapes the surrounding landscape.
The municipality originated in medieval times as a meeting place beneath an ancient oak, where rulers administered justice and granted privileges. On April 26, 1937, German and Italian aircraft bombed the town during the Spanish Civil War, causing widespread destruction.
The name comes from Basque "Gernika," referring to an old settlement centered around an oak tree. Visitors still see the symbolic oak next to the parliament building, where assemblies once gathered to discuss local affairs.
The Monday weekly market takes place in the town center and offers a chance to discover local produce and meet residents. Most points of interest are within walking distance of each other, making the town easy to explore on foot.
Pablo Picasso's 1937 painting "Guernica" depicts the horror of the bombing and brought international attention to the town. The work now resides in Madrid's Reina Sofía Museum, while a full-size ceramic replica stands at the entrance to the town.
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