Global Appeal to Save Belchite: A Symbol of Spanish Civil War Heritage

The Zaragoza town of Belchite has been selected by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) as one of 25 global sites in urgent need of preservation, highlighting the threat to its historical ruins from neglect and climate conditions. The town, which once housed around 4,500 residents and prospered through agriculture, has been largely reduced to rubble due to a devastating battle during the Spanish Civil War in 1937, which left approximately 5,000 casualties.

Local guide Marta Beltrán emphasized the significance of Belchite, stating that its destruction symbolized "the barbarity of the Spanish Civil War" and the ongoing neglect of war heritage. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2002, the WMF warns that if current deterioration rates persist, what remains of Belchite could disappear in about two decades.

The WMF has a rich history of rescuing at-risk sites, having raised around $300 million for over 700 projects in 112 countries since its inception in 1965. The organization has now turned its attention to securing private funds to preserve Belchite and potentially establish a visitor center. Pablo Longoria, the executive director of the WMF’s Spain branch, noted that Belchite's inclusion on the latest endangered list reflects the urgency of addressing significant risks, including structural collapse.

As local organizations work to revitalize the area for cultural tourism, recent efforts have included filming opportunities for notable movies. These initiatives are underscored by the desire to transform the ruins into a resource for future generations.