Do you know what happened during the Spanish Civil War in Barcelona, do you know what were the repercussions of this conflict? We explain it to you with respect so that you can understand what the population suffered more than 80 years ago.
The Spanish Civil War marked a before and after in the city of Barcelona, as well as in other places throughout the peninsula. This war between neighbors left many scars on the city, but also allowed Barcelona to rise as the city it is today, revolutionary, cultural and resilient.
In Willy’s Plan, we offer you the tour of the civil war in Barcelona, with which you can learn in depth the reasons for this conflict and how the lives of the inhabitants were marked forever.
Why take a tour of the Spanish Civil War in Barcelona?
During the years 1936 to 1939, Barcelona lived intensely the Spanish Civil War, a conflict that not only involved soldiers, but affected the entire civilian population. This Willy’s Plan tour will take you to discover those difficult years with an expert guide in the history of Spain. Through his stories, you will understand the different stages of the war and the key events that left a permanent mark on Barcelona.
The aim of this tour is to discover the still visible traces of the bombings and the consequences of the war in Barcelona. It does not focus on the best-known monuments or emblematic buildings, but on the places that hold the deepest memories.
The route goes through places like Plaza Cataluña, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, the Raval and Poble Sec. At each stop, the guide will give you detailed explanations about the events that took place there during the Civil War. You can ask him questions and he will be happy to answer them for you to understand this complex historical period.
What are the scars of Barcelona during the civil war?
The city of Barcelona has a motto that “never forgets”, because it believes that the events of the civil war in Barcelona should continue to be explained from generation to generation so that history does not repeat itself. Beneath the surface, the City of Barcelona hides many scars of the Spanish Civil War in Catalonia and we are going to introduce you to some of them.
1. The Carmel bunkers
The Carmel bunkers are part of the route of the civil war in Barcelona. They were erected in the Turó de la Rovira in 1937 to defend Barcelona from Franco’s bombing, and became vital areas next to the batteries of San Pedro Mártir.
After the war, the area became a shantytown. Today, this place is famous for offering one of the best views of Barcelona. It is a meeting point where groups of friends gather to enjoy the cityscape from above.
2. Palau de les Heures Hut
The shelter of the Palau de les Heures is in an excellent state of preservation, even retaining its original electrical installation. However, to visit this vestige of the civil war in Catalonia it is necessary to obtain permission from the University of Barcelona and the Diputació de Barcelona, since it is the owner of the Palau de les Heures.
3. The intersection between Passeig de Gràcia and Diagonal Avenue.
The intersection between Paseo de Gràcia and Avenida Diagonal in Barcelona has witnessed key moments in local history. In July 1936, thousands of people gathered to bid farewell to militiamen leaving for the Aragon front, responding to the call of the CNT-FAI union.
Two years later, on October 28, 1938, the city paid tribute to the International Brigades, volunteers from 54 countries who supported the Republic during the Civil War. This place remains an important point of memory to understand Barcelona in the civil war and has a monument in the district of Horta-Guinardó that recalls their sacrifice and commitment in bad times.
4. Remains of the Primo de Rivera paintings.
At the time of the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, paintings were made on the wall of the cathedral towards Santa Lucia Street. There was inscribed in red letters “José Antonio Primo de Rivera – Present” next to a cross. For almost forty years, the Falangists of Barcelona made floral offerings every November 20 at this site, followed by a mass in honor of the leader and other deceased party members.
More than a monument, this is a curiosity of the Spanish Civil War in Catalonia, which you can visit when you are in the Cathedral of Barcelona.
5. Durruti's Tomb
Buenaventura Durruti was a Spanish anarchist leader, and a key figure during the Civil War. His life ended tragically in Barcelona, where he was assassinated at the age of 40 by a shot in the chest. Durruti rests in the Montjuïc cemetery, which has become a symbol of freedom and resistance.
His tomb is one of the most visited spots in the cemetery, reflecting his influence over the years in Spanish history.
6. The Fossar de la Pedrera
Also in the Montjuïc Cemetery is the Fossar de la Pedrera, a mass grave that houses more than 4000 victims of the Franco regime. Here lie those who suffered the bombings and executions for resisting Franco’s power.
Until 1953, this place received the victims of Franco’s repression; then, the Funeral Services buried here the indigent and deceased without family. Today, the Fossar de la Pedrera is a memorial where tribute is paid to those affected by those dark times. Free guided tours are offered, allowing you to remember and learn about this dark part of Spanish history.
7. Shelter 307
Refugio 307 in Poble Sec is the most recognized vestige of the Spanish Civil War in Barcelona and accessible thanks to the municipal investment in its promotion. It was built by neighborhood solidarity, and became a very important building during the bombings of the civil war.
The Passive Defense Board organized its use to protect the civilian population, initially using basements and the subway network. As air raids increased, the community began to build safer shelters. Shelter 307 is very large and has the capacity to shelter many people. Today, it is a living testimony of the sacrifice and resistance of the people of Barcelona during those times.
We hope this post has helped you to discover our tour and all the secrets of the Spanish Civil War in Barcelona. On our Willy’s Plan website, you will find many other tours that may interest you and that will help you to get to know Barcelona better, such as the tour of the mysterious and forbidden Barcelona. Do you dare to discover the darker side of the city?
