Cemetery of Zallo in Gernika
On 26th April 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, the city of Gernika was swept to the ground by German and Italian planes from the Condor Legion and the Aviazione Legionaria, sent by Hitler and Mussolini to support Franco's troops. For nearly four hours, bombs dropped on Guernica in an "experiment" for blitzkrieg's tactics and the bombing of civilians seen in later wars.
One of the reasons Gernika was chosen for the bombing is due to its importance both politically and historically. Underneath the Gernika tree’s branches, Basques were granted autonomy in the Middle Ages. Next to the tree is the Biscayan Assembly, a place where the political leaders have meet to decide the fate of their people over the ages.
The Gernika bombing was deliberately made on Monday because it was known that Basques outside Guernica would travel to the city on Market Day, thereby giving German and Italian aircraft pilots a chance to kill so many innocent people as possible.
The cemetery of Zallo in Gernika-Lumo houses a a neo-classical memorial temple to remember the bombings of the city in 1937. This date appears on the frieze of the temple: “1937, APIRILAK 26”. Next to the temple is one of the bells of St. John's Church, which was tragically bombed. The bell only rings on the anniversary of the bombing.
These photos were taken in December 2020 and show wome views of the memorial and other views of the cemetery.
