Global Fund Targets Belchite’s Historical Ruins in Urgent Preservation Effort

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The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has included the Spanish town of Belchite on its latest watch list, identifying it as one of 25 sites worldwide at risk of irreversible damage. This historic site, located approximately 40 kilometers from Zaragoza, gained notoriety during the Spanish Civil War for its violent battles, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.

Once a thriving community with about 4,500 residents, Belchite was left in ruins after the intense fighting in 1937, which resulted in around 5,000 casualties. Today, fewer than 10% of the original structures remain intact, as the site suffers from deteriorating conditions exacerbated by time and variable weather.

Local initiatives, spearheaded by the Fundación Pueblo Viejo de Belchite, aim to preserve and promote cultural tourism. This includes guided tours and film projects, leveraging its unique historical narrative for broader engagement. In 2024 alone, Belchite attracted 38,000 visitors.

Pablo Longoria, the executive director of WMF Spain, articulated the urgency associated with the site: “With the current rate of deterioration, Belchite could be gone in as little as 20 years.” The organization is now seeking private funding to initiate conservation efforts and establish a visitor center as part of a comprehensive preservation strategy.

For Belchite, this recognition from the WMF is not just an appeal for financial support but also an acknowledgment of its significance as a site of cultural and historical importance, marking a brutal chapter in Spanish history.

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