Archaeologists Uncover 5,000-Year-Old Fortress in Spain with a Troubling History

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has named Belchite, a town in Zaragoza, Spain, among 25 global sites in need of urgent conservation due to severe deterioration, particularly linked to its history as a symbol of the Spanish Civil War. Belchite's ruins, remnants of the devastating 1937 battle that caused approximately 5,000 casualties, have recently caught international attention. Marta Beltrán, head of the Belchite Tourist Office, noted that more than 38,000 visitors explored the site in 2024. The WMF aims to raise funds to conserve these historical remains and establish a visitor center after receiving over 250 applications for its latest list. Pablo Longoria, executive director of the Spain branch of WMF, highlighted the critical risk of collapse faced by the town. Despite being declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2002, negligence has accelerated Belchite's decline, prompting advocates like Joan Sastre, who compiled a report that drew WMF's attention, to seek urgent aid before the ruins potentially disappear in two decades.

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The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has selected Belchite, Spain, as one of 25 sites worldwide in urgent need of preservation. This town, which became a symbol of the Spanish Civil War, is at risk of losing its historical significance unless immediate action is taken, according to WMF. The ruins of Belchite, devastated during a 1937 battle that resulted in thousands of casualties, serve as a stark reminder of the war. Marta Beltrán, head of the local tourist office, revealed that the site attracted approximately 38,000 visitors in 2024, yet the deterioration continues to accelerate. WMF, established in 1965, noted that without intervention, Belchite's remaining structures could vanish in the next 20 years. The site, classified as a Site of Cultural Interest in 2002, was initially included due to its "risk of collapse," as explained by Pablo Longoria, executive director of WMF Spain. Joan Sastre, a local enthusiast, played a crucial role in bringing attention to Belchite's plight by presenting compelling data to WMF. With historical heritage at stake, the community hopes to secure private funding for conservation efforts and the development of a visitor center.