Belchite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belchite
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The modern town
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 Belchite
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Aragon |
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| Province | Zaragoza | ||
| Comarca | Campo de Belchite | ||
| Judicial district | Zaragoza | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 273.7 km2 (105.7 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 440 m (1,440 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 1,528 | ||
| • Density | 5.5828/km2 (14.459/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Belchitanos | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
50130
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| Dialing code | 976 | ||
| Climate | BSk | ||
Belchite is a town and municipality in the province of Zaragoza, Spain. It's about 40 kilometers southeast of the city of Zaragoza. Belchite is the main town of the Campo de Belchite area. It sits in a flat area, surrounded by small hills, like Lobo Hill. This region is one of the driest parts of Aragon.
A long time ago, in 1122, King Alfonso the Battler started a group called the Confraternity of Belchite. Their job was to protect the border between the Christian lands and the Muslim lands (called al-Andalus). Later, in 1809, a big fight happened near Belchite during the Peninsular War. French and Spanish soldiers battled in what was called the Battle of María.
But the most famous event was during the Spanish Civil War. Between August and September 1937, a fierce battle took place in and around Belchite. Forces loyal to the Second Spanish Republic fought against the rebel forces led by General Franco. After the war ended in 1939, a brand new town was built next to the old one. The old town was left in ruins as a powerful reminder of the war. It is now like a ghost town.
Belchite's Role in Movies
The ruined old town of Belchite has been used as a setting for several movies. Its unique look makes it a perfect place for filming.
Famous Films Shot Here
- The 1988 film The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, directed by Terry Gilliam, used the ruins.
- Pan's Labyrinth, a movie by Guillermo del Toro, also featured the old town.
- The ruins were even seen in the opening of a 1983 TV show called The Spanish Civil War.
See also
In Spanish: Belchite para niños
