The bombing of Guernica is a historical episode shrouded in propaganda and distortion. Between documented reality and the popularized version, there lies a deep chasm of conflicting narratives.
This bombing took place on April 26, 1937, leaving lasting consequences. Undeniably, Guernica became the ultimate symbol of wartime brutality. However, few truly know the story behind the attack—one that is more complex and less mythologized than many believe.
The Spanish Civil War and the Bombing of Guernica
Before diving into the bombing of Guernica itself, it’s essential to understand the historical context. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a conflict that left deep scars on the nation.
The war was not only fought in trenches and battlefronts but also in offices, the press, and public perception. The struggle between Republicans and Nationalists extended beyond Spain, drawing foreign powers into the conflict.
The Soviet Union supported the Republicans, while Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy backed Franco’s Nationalist forces. Guernica, located on the northern front, was not just any town.
Strategically positioned, it housed industries supplying the Republican troops and had key communication networks. In this context, the German Luftwaffe’s Condor Legion, sent to support Franco, executed the bombing that would immortalize Guernica.
Why Guernica?
Guernica is often portrayed as an innocent, militarily irrelevant town—a notion deeply embedded in collective memory. However, the reality was different. The town’s factories produced weapons and other supplies for the Republican cause.
Additionally, Guernica was a crucial passage for troop movements. The bombing aimed to cut off supply lines and demoralize the enemy. However, it failed in one key objective: destroying the Rentería Bridge, essential for transporting troops and weapons.
What Really Happened During the Bombing?
At 7:30 PM, the skies over Guernica roared as German planes approached. Over approximately 20 minutes, in three waves, bombers unleashed their deadly cargo. The number of aircraft involved has often been exaggerated—some claim 47, but in reality, only 25 participated, including bombers and escort fighters.
One widely cited claim is that the town’s market was full of civilians when the attack began. However, historical records show that the market had already ended by the time the first bombs fell. Most residents had either evacuated or taken shelter, meaning the destruction, while extensive, resulted in fewer casualties than initially reported.
Victims: Myth or Reality?
In the aftermath, reports claimed thousands had died, with estimates exceeding 2,000 victims. However, modern research has confirmed the real number of fatalities to be 126—all identified by name.
The media played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the event. Journalist George L. Steer, writing for The Times and The New York Times, described Guernica as a scene of indiscriminate slaughter. His reports cemented the bombing’s legacy as a global symbol of horror, even though they did not fully align with reality.
The Francoist side failed to manage the narrative, leaving an informational void that only reinforced the myth.
The Role of Picasso
Guernica became a worldwide icon largely due to Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece of the same name. His painting captured the suffering and anguish of war, but rather than a factual depiction, it was an artistic expression influenced by Republican propaganda.
Commissioned by the Republican government for the 1937 Paris International Exhibition, Picasso’s Guernica played a crucial role in shaping public perception. Over time, it became a universal symbol of war atrocities and the fight for peace.
Comparison to Other Bombings
While tragic, the bombing of Guernica was not the deadliest of the Spanish Civil War. The Republican siege of Oviedo caused over 2,000 deaths, yet it remains largely unknown.
Similarly, an air raid on Durango shortly before Guernica’s bombing resulted in hundreds of casualties but did not receive the same global attention. The key difference? Media coverage and propaganda.
Wars are not just fought with bullets and bombs—they are also waged through words and narratives. Guernica became the epicenter of a media war that turned military history into modern mythology. Political interests amplified the bombing’s impact, transforming it into an anti-fascist symbol.
Images of the destruction spread worldwide, cementing Guernica’s place in history. Meanwhile, other equally brutal bombings faded into obscurity.
One of the Most Famous Bombings in History
The bombing of Guernica was neither the largest nor the deadliest of the Spanish Civil War, but it remains the most famous. A mix of propaganda, art, and political agendas turned the tragedy into a global emblem.
Regardless, Guernica has endured. Today, you can walk through its streets, visit the places damaged by the bombing, and witness the town’s incredible resilience and reconstruction.
What are you waiting for? Visit Guernica and experience its history firsthand. And while you’re there, stay at a hotel that offers peace and comfort—like Hotel Boliña. We’re waiting for you!