Europako Herrien parkea

Europako Herrien Parkea (Park of the Peoples of Europe) is a city park in Guernica (Gernika), sitting directly opposite the historic Casa de Juntas — the assembly house of Biscay — right in the town centre and just a short walk from the famous Gernika Tree. It's a spot where a quiet stroll meets first-rate modern sculpture.

What will you see in the park?

The park's centrepiece is a pair of monumental sculptures. The first is "Gure Aitaren Etxea" ("Our Father's House") by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida — a nearly 8-metre-tall work unveiled in April 1988. The second is "Large Figure in a Shelter" by English sculptor Henry Moore, installed in the park in 1990. Both pieces arrived before the park itself was officially opened in 1991.

The park's landscaping was designed to echo the variety of the Atlantic coast of the Basque Country. Four distinct ecosystems are represented here: a patch of oak forest, a hazel grove, scrubland vegetation, and riverside vegetation. Add to that mature oaks, beech trees, and holm oaks, plus a small pond where locals and visitors alike like to sit and unwind.

How do you get there?

The park sits right in the centre of Guernica, immediately next to Casa de Juntas, the historic seat of the Biscay assemblies. From Gernika-Lumo train station it's only a few minutes on foot. The location makes it easy to combine with other sights in town, since both the Gernika Tree and the town's history museum are within a few hundred metres.

When should you visit?

The park is open year-round, free to enter, and accessible at any time. Spring and summer show off the different vegetation zones at their greenest, while autumn brings out the colour in the deciduous trees. It works equally well as a brief stop between sightseeing spots or as a longer break — you can sit on a bench, go for a run, or let children play on the open lawns.

Who is it for?

Europako Herrien Parkea appeals to fans of modern sculpture thanks to the Chillida and Moore works, but it's just as good for anyone looking for a breather from exploring central Guernica. Families with children will also find it welcoming, with its open lawns and relaxed atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, the park is open to the public and free to visit at any time of day.

Which sculptures can you see in the park? The two main works are "Gure Aitaren Etxea" by Eduardo Chillida, from 1988, and "Large Figure in a Shelter" by Henry Moore, from 1990.

How long does a visit take? Walking the park and viewing both sculptures usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your pace.

Can the park be combined with other Guernica sights? Yes, it borders Casa de Juntas directly and sits close to the Gernika Tree, making it easy to fold into a longer walk around the town centre.