The seat of the historic Biscay assembly beside the Tree of Gernika, an oak that stands as the symbol of Basque freedoms, in the town bombed on 26 April 1937.
The Casa de Juntas and the Tree of Gernika stand on Allende Salazar Kalea in Gernika-Lumo, a town in Biscay about an hour from Bilbao in Spain's Basque Country. The Casa de Juntas is the seat of the Juntas Generales de Bizkaia, the historic assembly of the province, and it sits in landscaped gardens beside the Tree of Gernika, an oak that stands as the symbol of Basque freedoms and traditional rights. Rulers of Castile and later Spain traditionally came to the tree to swear to respect the Basque fueros, or charters of local law, which gives the site its political and cultural importance. Visitors can walk through the gardens to see the current oak, the remains of earlier trunks displayed in a small temple nearby, and the assembly building with its meeting hall. The hall is notable for a stained-glass ceiling depicting the Tree of Gernika, which is the main interior sight when the building is open. Gernika is also known as the town bombed on 26 April 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, an event commemorated by Picasso's painting Guernica, and many visitors combine the Casa de Juntas with the town's peace museum and memorials. A visit to the Casa de Juntas and gardens takes one to two hours, and a longer day in Gernika allows time for the town centre and other sites. Photographers favour the tree framed with the assembly building behind, and the stained glass inside. The site is free and generally quiet, with the busiest periods in the middle of the day when tour groups arrive, so mornings are best. From Bilbao, Euskotren trains from Atxuri station reach Gernika in about an hour, and Bizkaibus services also connect the two. Opening times for the building vary, so visitors should confirm the schedule on the Juntas Generales website before travelling.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Gardens and the Casa de Juntas typically open daily with set hours; confirm on the Biscay Juntas Generales site |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Morning, away from tour groups |
| Getting there | Euskotren train from Bilbao Atxuri to Gernika (about 1 hour); Bizkaibus also serves the town |
| Address | Allende Salazar Kalea, 48300 Gernika-Lumo, Biscay, Spain |
Location
Allende Salazar Kalea, 48300 Gernika-Lumo, Biscay, Spain
43.3164, -2.6787 View on map
Highlights
- The Tree of Gernika, symbol of Basque freedoms
- The Casa de Juntas assembly building and its stained-glass ceiling
- Gardens with the remains of earlier oaks
- Links to the history of Gernika and the 1937 bombing
Tips for visiting
- Arrive in the morning to avoid tour groups.
- Check opening times on the Juntas Generales website before travelling.
- Take the Euskotren train from Bilbao Atxuri for an easy day trip.
- Combine with the town's peace museum and memorials to understand the history.
- Allow extra time for the gardens and the old trunks on display.
When to visit
Mornings are best, before tour groups arrive around midday. Spring and early autumn give pleasant weather for the gardens.
Accessibility
The gardens are largely level, and the assembly building is generally reported as accessible, although visitors with specific needs may wish to confirm details with the Juntas Generales.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
One to two hours covers the gardens, the tree and the assembly hall.
Is it worth it for kids?
The gardens are pleasant, but the historical content suits older children best. Younger children may find the interior brief and formal.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed in the gardens, while rules inside the building may vary, so visitors should follow signs.