Fossar de la Pedrera facts for kids
The Fossar de la Pedrera is a special place on Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain. Its name means Cemetery of the Quarry. It is part of the larger Montjuïc Cemetery.
This site was once a mass grave for about 4,000 people. These people were victims of a difficult time in Spain's history, known as the White Terror. Today, there is a memorial here to remember them.
Since 1985, the Fossar de la Pedrera has also been the resting place of Lluís Companys. He was the 123rd President of Catalonia. He was sadly executed by the Francoist government at Montjuïc Castle on October 15, 1940. Each year, people from Catalonia, including politicians, gather here to honor his memory. They often place a wreath to show their respect.
History of the Memorial
Building a Place to Remember
In 1985, a special memorial was opened at the Fossar de la Pedrera. It was designed by architects Beth Galí, Marius Quintana, and Pere Casajoana. The memorial includes several tall columns with the names of victims. There is also a large garden with stone markers and the tomb of Lluís Companys.
The words at the entrance were written by Maria Aurelia Capmany. One message remembers those who suffered from harsh government actions. It also lists the names of people who died after the war, whether they were buried there or not. The memorial was officially opened on October 27, 1985. Important leaders like President Jordi Pujol and Barcelona's mayor Pasqual Maragall were there, along with Lluís Companys' family.
Other Tributes at the Site
The Fossar de la Pedrera also has other memorials. One honors the victims of National Socialism, a political movement that caused much suffering during World War II. This tribute was opened 50 years after the war ended.
There is also a bronze statue that remembers everyone executed by the Francoist government. Another memorial honors members of the CNT, a workers' organization, who died during the Spanish Civil War.
See also
In Spanish: Fossar de la Pedrera para niños
