The historic ruins of Belchite, located near Zaragoza in Spain, which were devastated during the Spanish Civil War, now face the threat of complete destruction. An American foundation has included the site in its list of the world’s 25 most endangered cultural heritage sites, aiming to raise funds for its preservation and promote cultural tourism.
Belchite, situated approximately 40 kilometers from Zaragoza, was once a thriving town in the 1930s, home to around 4,500 residents. Its main streets, churches, and even Mudejar and Baroque-style places of worship stood as testaments to its grandeur. However, a brutal battle during the civil war reduced the town to ruins, resulting in the death or injury of 5,000 people in just two weeks.
According to Marta Beltrán, head of the local tourism office, “The town lacked walls, but the interconnected structure of its houses provided some defense.” She noted that in 2024 alone, nearly 38,000 tourists visited the historic site. Beltrán is also associated with the Belchite Old Town Foundation, which has been working to preserve the site since 2019.
Now, the World Monuments Fund (WMF) has added Belchite to its watchlist. Established in 1965 in New York, the WMF raises funds to protect endangered heritage sites worldwide. The foundation warns that without immediate action, Belchite’s ruins could vanish entirely within the next 20 years.
Pablo Longoria, WMF’s director for Spain, explained that over 250 applications were received this year, with Belchite being selected by a panel of experts. He emphasized that private funds will be raised to secure the site and establish a visitor center to enhance its accessibility.
Belchite’s historical significance is underscored by its role in the 1937 battle, which turned it into a symbol of the Republican struggle. Historical records indicate that around 2,000 soldiers participated in the battle, while the local population sought refuge underground.
After the war, Francisco Franco promised to rebuild Belchite but later abandoned it as a symbol of “Red Terror.” The new town of Belchite was completed in 1954, while the last resident of the old town relocated in 1964.
Today, efforts are underway to preserve Belchite’s ruins. In November, a section of the San Martín Church was restored with €150,000 in funding from the Aragón government. Additionally, music and film festivals are held at the site, further enhancing its appeal to tourists.
The efforts to save Belchite’s history and ruins are not just about preserving the past but also about shaping the future of the region. As Marta Beltrán aptly puts it, “This is a way of using the past for the future.”
