The Casa de Juntas and Tree of Gernika
The Casa de Juntas and the Tree of Gernika form a monumental complex declared a Cultural Heritage Site, and are, above all, a symbol of the history of Biscay and the Basque Country.
The heart of the complex is the Tree of Gernika. This oak tree is the most universal symbol of all Basques and is the site of important acts, such as the taking of office and the swearing in of the Lehendakari (President of the Basque Government) and of the General Councillor of Biscay. The current Tree of Gernika was planted in 2014 and all have been shoots from the first Tree of Gernika which is remembered.
In the garden of the Casa de Juntas is the so-called Old Tree. While not the first of all the Trees of Gernika, it is the oldest remains that have been conserved.
The Casa de Juntas is a Neoclassical building that was built between 1826 and 1833 under the leadership of the architect Antonio de Etxebarria. Before it was built, the sessions were held at the Santa María de la Antigua Hermitage, demolished to undertake the construction of the current building. Of note in the building are:
The Meeting Room
This is the central core of the building and still preserves both the altar and the fonts of blessed water of the original hermitage that occupied the site. The paintings representing the different Lords of Biscay stand out
The Window Room
This space was designed to be an open courtyard, but was turned into a museum dedicated to the history of Biscay with a large window that serves as a roof.
