Tellamendi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tellamendi
Belamendi
Highest point
Elevation	827 m (2,713 ft)
Prominence	112 m (367 ft)
Geography
Tellamendi Location in Spain
Location	Álava, Basque Country, Spain
Country	Spain
Province	Álava
Parent range	Basque Mountains

Tellamendi, also known as Belamendi, is a mountain in Spain. It is located in the Basque Mountains, specifically in the Álava province of the Basque Country. This mountain stands about 834 metres (2,736 ft) tall. Some measurements suggest it might be 827 metres (2,713 ft) high.

Tellamendi is found near a larger mountain called Anboto, which is 1331 meters tall. It is part of a grassy mountain range that stretches southwest from Zabalaundi (895 m). After Tellamendi, the range turns north towards Besaide.

The Tellamendi Cross

The very top of Tellamendi mountain has a large cross. You can easily see this cross from the town of Aramaio and the areas around it. This cross has an interesting history.

Building the First Cross

The first cross was built many years ago, starting on July 31, 1935. It took a few months to make. Once it was finished, people used oxen from nearby farms to help carry it up the mountain. The cross was then put up on September 15, 1935.

The cross had a special message written on it in the Basque language. This message talked about peace and happiness for the valley.

The Cross Through History

For 50 years, the cross stood strong. It survived big historical events like the Spanish Civil War and the time of the Spanish Republic. Even though it went through these tough times, the cross stayed mostly unharmed. However, the words on it were damaged sometime before 1937.

Then, on January 1, 1977, something happened. A 4-kilogram (about 9-pound) dynamite explosive was placed next to a Basque flag near the cross. The Spanish Civil Guard was called to handle it. They decided it was too risky to try and remove the device safely. So, they set it off on purpose.

The explosion completely destroyed the cross. Many people in Aramaio were very proud of the cross and how it had survived so much. They were very upset when it was ruined. They held protests and demanded that the cross be rebuilt.

The Second Cross

Because of the strong feelings of the people, a second cross was put up. This new cross was placed on March 15, 1977, right where the first one had stood. They even managed to save some of the original inscription plate.

A new inscription plate was added next to the old one. This new message also talked about the cross and the people's efforts.

See also

In Spanish: Tellamendi para niños