The sites of a historic battle
We would like to propose an excursion to the places where the Battle of the Ebro took place. There are 19 locations associated with specific events that took place during the battle, as well as five interpretation centres where the way the front was organised is explained.
The battle of the Ebro was the longest and bloodiest of the Spanish Civil War. The two sides between them suffered 120,000 casualties: 30,000 deaths, 75,000 injured and 15,000 prisoners. The devastation caused can best be seen at the old town of Corbera d’Ebre, which was left in ruins after heavy bombardment by Franco's army.
The old town of Corbera d’Ebre, chosen as best 'monument' by the viewers of TV3's television programme 'Batalla Monumental' (battle of the 'monuments'), is one of the 19 historic locations that have been turned into museums and which can be visited as part of the 'Espais de la Batalla de l’Ebre' routes. There are also the 700 metres of trenches in the ravines of Vilalba dels Arcs that formed part of the Republican defences; the Fatarella military refuge; and the 15th Army Corps military camp in Ascó, from where coronel Manuel Tagüeña organised the retreat of the Republican troops at the end of the battle, something that saved thousands of lives. There is also Coll del Moro, to the west of Gandesa, at an altitude of 483 metres where the commanders of Franco's army, and Franco himself, established their command post since it afforded a panoramic view of the entire front.
The 'Espais de la Batalla de l’Ebre' tours also include five interpretation centres, each devoted to a particular topic: '115 Days', in Corbera d’Ebre, provides a complete view of the military and political conflict; 'Soldiers in the trenches', in Vilalba dels Arcs, explains the various experiences and emotions the soldiers went through on the battlefield every day from a military and personal point of view; the 'Hospitals de Sang' interpretation centre in Batea explains how medical attention for the injured was organised and how a medical network was created; 'Voices from the Front', in Pinell de Brai, explains the messages and slogans used by both sides, and 'Internationals a l’Ebre', in Fatarella, explains how the participation of other countries influenced both the opposing sides.
As well as delving into an event of supreme importance that took place between 25 July and 16 November 1938, one that radically altered the history of the country, the 'Espais de la Batalla de l'Ebre' tours also introduce you to the districts of Terra Alta and Ribera d’Ebre where the great river defines the route and moulds the landscape with its riparian forests and woodlands, large areas of farmlands, not all of them irrigated, and extensive vineyards.
