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Old Belchite
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ruins
The ruins of Old Belchite in the province of Zaragoza serve as a haunting memorial to the Spanish Civil War. In 1937, the town was the site of a brutal battle that lasted two weeks and left the municipality in complete ruins. After the war, Francisco Franco ordered the remains to be left untouched as a monument to his victory, and a new town was built adjacent to the ruins. The skeletal remains of the San Martín de Tours church and the clock tower stand as powerful reminders of the intense urban combat that took place. Today, the site is a destination for dark tourism and historical education, offering guided tours that explain the military strategies and civilian suffering. Its desolate and evocative landscape has also made it a popular filming location for movies such as Guillermo del Toro’s 'Pan's Labyrinth'. Belchite remains a poignant symbol of Spain's divided past and the importance of preserving historical memory.
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Top sights: Pueblo Viejo de Belchite · Iglesia de San Agustín (ruinas) · Convento de San Rafael (ruinas)
- Nearby: Cuarte de Huerva (35 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 25 | 22 | 34 | 44 | 43 | 35 | 18 | 17 | 27 | 38 | 37 | 19 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Old Belchite is a ruined town that can be visited as an open-air museum and memorial. Visitors can walk through the destroyed streets and buildings, with guided tours available.
Typical hours
The site is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, often from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Mondays are usually closed; hours may vary seasonally.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, but drones are not permitted without authorization. Respect the memorial nature of the place and avoid inappropriate shots.
Time needed
A walk through Old Belchite takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you book a guided tour. With thorough exploration and photography, allow 2 to 3 hours.
Combine with
Belchite is in the province of Zaragoza, about 40 km southeast of the city. Combine the visit with the Basílica del Pilar and the Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza.
Getting there
The ruined town is best reached by car via the A-2 highway and the N-232 road. There is parking at the entrance; buses from Zaragoza are infrequent, so a car is recommended.
Insider tip
Take a guided tour to better understand the battle history and the extent of destruction. Wear sturdy footwear as the paths are uneven and dusty.
Geography
Facts
- The Battle of Belchite took place in August-September 1937
- More than 5,000 casualties were recorded during the fight
- The construction of the new town began in 1940
- Filming site for Terry Gilliam and Guillermo del Toro movies
- The church of San Martín de Tours is the main ruin
- Guided tours for public access were established in 2013
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Old Belchite (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why was old Belchite not rebuilt?
Franco decided to leave the ruins as a memorial to the Spanish Civil War.
Can the ruins be visited alone?
No, access to the fenced-off old village is only possible as part of a guided tour.
Are there night tours too?
Yes, special night tours are offered, focusing on legends and paranormal phenomena.
Where to get tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online or at the tourism office in the new village of Belchite.
Is the site safe for children?
Children must be strictly supervised due to the risk of collapse and debris everywhere.
Old Belchite: where is it located?
Old Belchite is located in Galicia, Spain.
Old Belchite: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pueblo Viejo de Belchite, Iglesia de San Agustín (ruinas), Convento de San Rafael (ruinas).
Old Belchite: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Old Belchite: why is it worth visiting?
The ruins of Old Belchite in the province of Zaragoza serve as a haunting memorial to the Spanish Civil War.
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