Belchite Old Town
Pueblo viejo de Belchite
A small town preserved as ruins after being destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The broken walls of its churches and streets are deeply moving.
During the Battle of Belchite in 1937, the town was reduced to rubble by artillery fire. Franco's government built a new town alongside it, and the old town was preserved as a war memorial site. The ruined walls and bell tower of the Church of San Martín and the Church of San Agustín still stand, and the silence in the streets is striking. The town has also been used as a filming location. To protect the site, the old town is now closed, and visitors can enter only on an official guided tour. Tickets cost about 6 euros, must be booked in advance on the official website, and include evening sessions. Belchite lies about 45 kilometres from Zaragoza, so driving is recommended.
Opening hours
Guided tours by reservation only (several sessions daily; check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Goya's Birthplace, Fuendetodos
- Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta
- Museum of Zaragoza
- Basilica of Santa Engracia
- Caesaraugusta Theatre Museum
- El Tubo
- La Seo Cathedral
- Caesaraugusta Forum Museum