Belchite Old Town
Explore the hauntingly preserved ruins of Belchite Old Town, a Spanish Civil War ghost town frozen in time. A powerful memorial to conflict.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Belchite Old Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the hauntingly preserved ruins of Belchite Old Town, a Spanish Civil War ghost town frozen in time. A powerful memorial to conflict.
"A sobering reminder of how war is, probably, mankind’s ultimate folly and failure."
Book Guided Tours Early
Tours, especially night ones, sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot! :ticket:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Uneven terrain requires sturdy shoes. Be prepared for a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Devastated Ruins
Belchite Old Town
Explore the hauntingly preserved ruins of a town destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. A stark reminder of conflict's toll.
Church of San Bartolomé
Central Plaza
See the iconic church tower, a prominent landmark with a projectile still embedded, symbolizing the town's violent past.
Night 'Legend' Tour
Belchite Old Town
Experience the ruins after dark with a tour focusing on local legends and paranormal tales.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours Early
Tours, especially night ones, sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot! :ticket:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Uneven terrain requires sturdy shoes. Be prepared for a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on-site. Pack essentials for your visit. :water_wave:
Consider Both Tours
Day tour for history, night tour for legends. Both offer unique perspectives. :eyes:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours Early
Tours, especially night ones, sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot! :ticket:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Uneven terrain requires sturdy shoes. Be prepared for a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on-site. Pack essentials for your visit. :water_wave:
Consider Both Tours
Day tour for history, night tour for legends. Both offer unique perspectives. :eyes:
Respect the History
This is a somber site. Approach with respect for the past. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Belchite Old Town is a profoundly moving and historically significant site, offering a stark reminder of the Spanish Civil War's devastation. Visitors are captivated by the hauntingly preserved ruins and the palpable sense of history. While the experience is somber, it's widely considered a must-visit for history lovers, though some find the obligatory guided tours to be the only way to access the site.
"Our main reason for being in the area is the SEO reserve of el Planerón, where we lead tours to see birds such as Dupont's Lark, Mediterranean Short-toed Lark, Lesser Kestrel, Spectacled Warbler, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, etc. However, it's a nice short stop to stroll around the ruins of the old town, even though of course the history surrounding it is not so "nice".
Once I brought one of our Birding In Spain tour groups on a guided audio tour of the ruins. There was a lot of detail about the battle for Belchite, which they couldn't really put into much contect (birders from the USA ). The experience was OK, but not in my opinion a "must-do". Birders might be interested to note though, that in and around the ruins you can see a good variety of birds, including Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin, Black Wheatear, Rock Sparrow, Red-rumped Swallow, Sardinian Warbler and even the odd Golden Eagle."
Steve West
"Belchite’s ruins are haunting and full of history. A must-visit for history lovers."
mana
"Thoroughly recommend … the visit is a sobering reminder of how war is, probably, mankind’s ultimate folly and failure. As such, it’s a visit with timeless relevance. Knowing how contentious the Civil War remains in Spain, I was anxious as to how the (obligatory) guided tour would handle the history. In the event, I felt they did an excellent job, concentrating on facts mixed with judgment-free anecdotes about occupants of the town (the Tour Guide offers more of these than are included in the excellent free English-language audio guide; a shame, but probably a sensible editing decision). The tours are kept moderately sized, and their supervision is quite lightweight; it’s perfectly possible to linger on the edge of the party long enough for a brief private contemplation of any aspect of the site.
On a practical level, the web site is slightly optimistic about the length of the tour; generally they seem to take about 90-105 minutes, and start fairly punctually. Although there are no visitor facilities on the site there are public toilets just outside, but the nearest refreshments are in the new town - a fairly easy 25 minutes walk away. The site itself is fairly extensive, and although the paths/roads are reasonable, they’re not made up at all; anyone who’s unsure on their feet will need to take care! (But the power of the site is increased by the fact that it does simply feel as if it was simply abandoned at the end of the fighting.)
Note there is a bus service from Zaragoza, although finding details can be a challenge. If you need help with this the Belchite Tourist seem very helpful - I contacted them by email."
George Hawes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Belchite Old Town is located about 50 km from Zaragoza. You can drive, which is the most convenient option. There is also a bus service from Zaragoza, though finding details can be challenging. The Belchite Tourist office is reportedly very helpful via email for bus information.
Yes, there is parking available near the entrance to the old town ruins. It's generally easy to find a spot, especially if you arrive outside of peak times.
Absolutely! Belchite Old Town makes for a compelling day trip from Zaragoza. The drive is short, and you can easily spend a few hours exploring the ruins and learning about its history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, visits to Belchite Old Town are by guided tour only, and you must purchase tickets. It's highly recommended to book these in advance online, as tours can sell out.
Tour times vary, especially between the historical daytime tours and the 'legend' nighttime tours. It's best to check the official website for the most current schedule and book accordingly.
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of tour (historical or legend). Check the official Belchite Tourist website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
No, access to the main ruins of Belchite Old Town is only permitted with a guided tour. However, you can walk around the perimeter and get some views without a ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The historical tour focuses on the events of the Spanish Civil War and the town's destruction, offering facts and anecdotes. The 'legend' tour delves into local paranormal stories and mysteries. Guides are generally well-informed and engaging.
Tours typically last between 90 to 105 minutes, though this can vary slightly. It's a substantial amount of time to explore the extensive ruins.
There are public restrooms located just outside the ruins. However, there are no visitor facilities, refreshments, or shops within the old town itself. The nearest amenities are in the new town.
The paths within the ruins are unpaved and can be uneven. While the main routes are manageable, those with significant mobility issues may find it challenging. Comfortable, supportive footwear is crucial.
The atmosphere is profoundly somber and haunting. Visitors often describe a sense of melancholy and reflection, a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Belchite Old Town offers incredible photographic opportunities. The stark, ruined architecture against the sky creates dramatic and evocative scenes. +1
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the ruins. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
The Church of San Bartolomé, the central plaza, and any of the more intact buildings offer striking compositions. Exploring the smaller alleyways can also yield unique shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed during the guided tours. However, be mindful of your guide and fellow visitors, and avoid blocking pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the historical tour for a factual account of the events. The 'legend' tour might be too frightening for younger children. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven. It's also wise to pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited on-site.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Opt for the guided historical tour to gain in-depth knowledge about the Battle of Belchite and the town's fate. The guides often provide fascinating anecdotes and context that bring the ruins to life. The obligatory guided tour is praised for its balanced approach, focusing on facts without excessive political bias.
👻 Paranormal Investigators & Curious Minds
The nighttime 'legend' tour is specifically designed for this audience, delving into local folklore and alleged paranormal encounters. Even if you're a skeptic, the sheer atmosphere of the ruins after dark, combined with the stories, can be a chilling and memorable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Belchite's Destruction
After the battle, General Franco ordered the ruins to be left as they were, a deliberate monument to the war's devastation and a propaganda tool. The new town of Belchite was built nearby, while the old town was preserved in its ruined state. This decision has made Belchite Old Town a unique historical site, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the impact of conflict.
Visitors today can walk through these skeletal remains and feel the weight of history. The silence of the ruins is often described as profound, inviting reflection on the human cost of war and its lasting scars.
Paranormal and Legends of Belchite
TikTok videos and local lore speak of disembodied voices, unexplained sounds, and eerie sensations within the ruins. Some believe the intense suffering and violence of the Civil War have left a lasting imprint on the very fabric of the place, creating a potent atmosphere for paranormal activity.
The 'legend' tours offered at night specifically explore these tales, drawing visitors interested in the supernatural. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the eerie ambiance of the ruins after dark certainly adds another layer to the Belchite experience.
Birdwatching in the Ruins
Species commonly spotted include the Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin, Black Wheatear, Rock Sparrow, and Red-rumped Swallow. Keep an eye out for raptors like the Golden Eagle soaring overhead. [^Review]
While the primary draw for most visitors is the history and atmosphere, the presence of wildlife adds an unexpected dimension to the site, offering a unique blend of historical exploration and nature observation. [^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit