Peace Museum in Gernika/Guernica?

[peregrina2000]

Has anyone visited the Peace Museum in Gernika? Can you describe how much of it is dedicated to the bombing and the Spanish Civil War? The web site gave me the impression that there isn't much. Thanks.

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Anemone del Camino]

There really isn't a whole lot, maybe 25%. BUT... there's an immersion instalation that puts you in the skin of a person in Guernica that day. You enter a room staged as a flat and a sound track telling the sorry of the woman living in it starts. She's in her kitchen etc. etc., and the, the bombing. Quite moving to me is the transparent floor which is laid on top of what would have been the floor of the flat after the bombing, with broken dishes, photographs, etc.

There are also photos, letters and other documents explaining the events that led to the bombing, why that city was chosen for the bombing (anti-Basque sentiment).

That's what I was expecting to see and was having to have seen, although the overall interest on peace as a more complex subject has its place as we look forward and not just back in history.

 

[Magwood]

H Laurie. I didn't visit the Peace Museum, but had an incredible experience walking through Guernica on 26 April this year. I happened to be walking through the main square at the exact moment the air-raid siren sounded and the church bells rang out to mark the 79th anniversary of the bombing.

I would imagine that there will be a lot of information available in 2017 for the 80th anniversary, particularly if you happened/planned to arrive on 26 April.
Buen Camino!

 

[bjorgts]

I was there two years ago. I found it really good and honest - as Anemone describes it.
Bjorg

 

[Bonita]

We were there in June. We read a book on the history (it's on my husband,s kindle, so I can't recall the name). This helped prepare us for the tragedy this town experienced. We spent the day there, and it was worth it. It was very moving.

 

[LTfit]

Definitely visit it Laurie. My Camino buddies and I were there last fall. I was very moved and impressed. I had the impression that the majority of the museum was dedicated to the bombing.
GO!

 

[kaixo]

Disconnecting from our daily life and living a nomadic lifestyle for a short period of time creates an opportunity to feel a deep sense of peace and tranquility. Yes we love the food, and the people, and the walking, and the camaraderie (not the snoring so much), but I think we return to the camino because we are "freedom junkies" and we crave the feeling of inner peace. It is one of the greatest joys of being on camino and one to be cherished.

The Museo de la Paz de Guernika is a reminder of the atrocities war.

What is peace? What happened in Gernika in 1937? What is the current situation of peace in the world? Taking the previous questions as a point of reference, the Peace Museum targets at creating an attractive and dynamic area that does not expect to impose absolute truths, but invites visitors to ask themselves and talk about peace. The motto of the museum states that "It is a museum to remember, a museum for the future". [Qoute]

I highly recommend a visit to the Peace Museum.

 

[jayree]

An excellent book about the Guernica bombing is "Guernica" by Dave Boling. He introduces you to the Basque culture and ethos through very memorable characters. His vivid description of the horrific bombing and the death of many of the characters you have come to love will evoke tears and and great pathos. He even details Picasso's reaction and the creation of his famous painting. This is a compelling book, trust me.

 

[Bonita]

That's the book. Outstanding! You do a good book review.

 

[Magwood]

An excellent book about the Guernica bombing is "Guernica" by Dave Boling. He introduces you to the Basque culture and ethos through very memorable characters. His vivid description of the horrific bombing and the death of many of the characters you have come to love will evoke tears and and great pathos. He even details Picasso's reaction and the creation of his famous painting. This is a compelling book, trust me.

Thanks for the the recommendation, have just downloaded the book.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

If you plan on spending a might in Gernika, arrive early or book something, be it a bed at the youth hostel or a pension. The town fills up quickly as so many want to visit it.

A tour of the townhall is also well worth it: beautiful stained glass.

 

[Orford girl]

Has anyone visited the Peace Museum in Gernika? Can you describe how much of it is dedicated to the bombing and the Spanish Civil War? The web site gave me the impression that there isn't much. Thanks.

Buen camino, Laurie

My friend and I were there in September. It is well worth the visit and has a lot dedicated to the events at that time. It is also heart wrenching.

 

[ranthr]

I spent some hour there some years ago, and found it very interesting. Enjoyed the examples of art around the town too, not only the Picasso painting.
As for museums of the Civil War I by incident dropped into one in Salamanca walking through there in 2011.

 

[cher99840]

Thinking about visiting Guernica on April 26 on the 80th anniversary of the bombing. I suspect I need to be making reservations if this is going to happen so would appreciate some info. Can the Peace Museum be appreciated by someone who only speaks English and what is the best way to get there from around Estella?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Thinking about visiting Guernica on April 26 on the 80th anniversary of the bombing. I suspect I need to be making reservations if this is going to happen so would appreciate some info. Can the Peace Museum be appreciated by someone who only speaks English and what is the best way to get there from around Estella?

Rome2rio.com will tell you how to get there I'm sure, but intuitevely I would say get to Bilbao from Logrono or Pamplona, and then bus to Guernika. As for reserving, are we takking a bed? If so yes, even on any other day as this town has few accomodations. And yes, even if no Spanish is spoken. But don't expect the museum to only be about Guernika and its bombing, that is perhaps 25% of it.

 

[cher99840]

Thank you @Anemone del Camino

 

[kdespot]

Thanks for the recommendation, Jayree. Boling's book "Guernica" was SO good... a must-read for anyone who loves the Basque culture (and how can one walk the CF without becoming enchanted with that culture?)!

 

[Bristle Boy]

Thanks for the recommendation, Jayree. Boling's book "Guernica" was SO good... a must-read for anyone who loves the Basque culture (and how can one walk the CF without becoming enchanted with that culture?)!

Hi,
I also loved Bolings book “Guernica”. I would also recommend one of his reference books...”the basque history of the world” by Mark Kurlansky...an amazingly informative book with anyone interested in the Basque culture! It also puts some substance which supplements “Guernica”.
I am planning mycamino for next year and am
Favouring the Camino Frances but amtryingto plan a detour to Guernica because of my interest in the Basque culture
Your posts are great!