Franco
23 newsReaders can follow how national headlines become local stories across Spanish cities, regions, institutions and communities.
Hidden graves reveal the true cost of Francoist repression in Spain
Mass graves in Spain continue to yield evidence of Francoist violence. Archaeologist Alfredo González Ruibal documents the suffering of families and children. His research uncovers personal stories and the scale of social devastation.
Benidorm Honors Otto von Habsburg, Last Heir of Austro-Hungary
Benidorm now commemorates Otto von Habsburg, the last Austro-Hungarian heir, with a street in his name. His discreet life in Spain, friendship with Franco, and unique legacy continue to spark interest.
Madrid Libraries Spark Outcry Over Lorca Death Description
Madrid's municipal libraries faced backlash after calling Lorca's killing a 'death'. The city quickly deleted the post and issued a correction. The incident reignited debate over historical memory and language.
Court Orders Ciudad Real to Restore Franco-Era Street Names
A regional court has instructed Ciudad Real to reinstate five street names linked to the Franco era. The decision partially overturns changes made under Spain’s historical memory law. Political tensions have resurfaced in the city.
Franco-Era Torture Victim Testifies in Madrid as Judge Summons Begoña Gómez
Carlos Serrano Suárez, detained and tortured under Franco, testified in Madrid. The judge also issued a summons for Begoña Gómez. The day was marked by personal stories and unexpected public attention.
Patxi López Confronts Alberto Núñez Feijóo in Parliament Over Family Remarks
Tensions escalated in the Spanish Congress as Patxi López responded forcefully to Alberto Núñez Feijóo. The PSOE spokesperson defended his father's legacy and accused the PP leader of crossing a line.
Controversy in El Puerto as Francoist Victims’ Memorial Mural Destroyed
A memorial mural for Francoist victims was removed from El Puerto de Santa María cemetery. The local government called it "macabre," prompting legal complaints and public outrage. The artist may seek damages.
Javier Calderón, Key Figure in Spanish Intelligence, Dies at 95 in Madrid
Javier Calderón, former leader of Spain’s intelligence services, has died in Madrid at 95. He played a central role during the 1981 coup attempt and the country’s transition. His legacy remains closely tied to Spain’s most guarded secrets.
Elite Succession and the Shadows of Dictatorship: How Francoism Still Shapes Modern Spain
Spain Half a Century After Franco: How the Past Shapes the Present. Spain marks 50 years since Franco's death. The influence of the old elites is still felt today. How the past continues to shape Spain's political and economic reality — in our report.
Ministry of Culture initiates shutdown: What’s next for the Franco Foundation and why are authorities determined to close it?
Spanish Government Launches Court Proceedings to Dissolve Franco Foundation. The Spanish authorities have officially initiated legal proceedings to dissolve the Franco Foundation. The organization has received notification and now has the opportunity to present its defense. The decision could reshape Spain’s approach to historical memory.
From Hope to Horror: The Secrets Hidden in the Ruins of the Old Hospital at the Foot of Mount Moncayo
Why an Abandoned Sanatorium in Zaragoza Has Become a Magnet for Halloween Tourists. In Zaragoza province stands an abandoned building that attracts fans of the mysterious and the legendary. With Halloween approaching, this site grows especially popular. Its history is steeped in dark secrets and unanswered mysteries.
Inside Spain's Most Controversial Monument: The Record-Breaking Giant Temple in the Rock
The World's Longest Basilica Is in Madrid—Carved Directly Into a Mountain. Hidden in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains sits a unique structure: the largest basilica on the planet, carved deep inside a massive rock. This monument holds dark secrets from the past century.
Scandalous memoirs of the former King of Spain: secrets, mistakes, and family drama
Confessions of Juan Carlos I: Revelations on Franco, Millions, and the Rift with His Son. Juan Carlos I unveils unknown details of his life, his relationship with Franco, and the scandals that shook Spain. His memoirs have sparked a storm of reactions both in Spain and abroad. Discover what the reclusive king had kept hidden.
Why Partido Popular Refused to Discuss the Last Death Sentences of the Franco Era: Key Details and Public Reaction
Popular Party to Boycott Debate on 1975 Executions in Spanish Congress. The Partido Popular has declined to participate in an event about the 1975 executions. Party representatives do not consider those executed to be heroes. The upcoming discussion in Congress about these historic events will take place without their involvement.
A Symbol of the Past or a Source of Contention: Why Madrid and Spanish Authorities Can't Reach an Agreement
Government Building in Madrid Designated as Site of Memory for Franco Dictatorship. Spanish authorities have officially granted the building at Puerta del Sol the status of a site of memory for the dictatorship era. The decision has sparked sharp disagreements between the central and regional governments. The issue of installing a commemorative plaque remains unresolved.
Queen Fabiola and Franco: The Secret Friendship Belgium Tried to Hide from Everyone
The Spanish Legacy of Queen Fabiola: Aristocracy, Faith, and a Hidden Friendship with Dictator Franco. A Spanish aristocrat who became Queen of Belgium. Her life remained closely tied to her homeland. She left a significant mark on history. Discover the fascinating story of her remarkable destiny.
The mystery of the 1936 crime in El Bierzo solved decades later – A family drama no one expected to discover
Mystery of Los Garbanzos Couple's Disappearance Solved in León. Nearly 80 years after a mysterious crime in León province, the identities of the 1936 victims have been established. Researcher Santiago Macías is seeking relatives of the couple to piece together their story. This unusual investigation began with the memories of a local resident.
Archaeologists uncover remains of dozens killed in mine as memory law is revoked – Families shocked by discovery in Zarza la Mayor mine
Mass Grave of Spanish Civil War Victims Discovered in Extremadura. Remains of more than twenty people killed during the Spanish Civil War have been found in a mine in Extremadura. At the same time, the region has repealed the memory law. Families of the victims and historians are concerned about these developments.
Scandal Erupts Over Police Building in Barcelona – Comparisons to Gestapo and Argentine Prisons Spark Outcry
Barcelona Police Building May Be Turned Into Dictatorship Memorial. Spanish authorities are discussing the fate of a historic police building in Barcelona. There are plans to turn it into a memorial for victims of the dictatorship. The decision has sparked debate among politicians and police representatives. More details in our report.
The Baena family exonerated after half a century – Spain remembers a tragedy
Fifty Years Since the Baena Execution and the Last Franco-Era Death Sentences. Spain commemorates the last death sentences of the Franco era. The Baena family spent nearly 50 years fighting to restore their loved one's honor. Authorities have now declared the sentence unlawful, yet the pain of loss remains.
Why the memory of those executed in 1975 has once again divided Spanish society – Unexpected details of the investigation
Half a century after Franco's final executions, debates flare up in Spain. Spain is once again discussing the fate of five people executed in 1975. Political forces are arguing over how to interpret their role in history. A new study sheds light on the circumstances of those events. The questions of memory and justice remain unresolved.
¿Por qué la famosa mansión de Llanera sigue estando desocupada?
Historic Franco Family Estate in Asturias Struggles to Find Buyer. For several years now, a famous estate in Asturias where Francisco Franco and Carmen Polo spent their wedding night has failed to attract a buyer. Despite the price dropping to €1.9 million and its unique history, the property remains without new owners.
¿Qué edificios de la época franquista siguen definiendo el perfil de la capital?
Madrid Architecture Under Franco: From Imperial Ambitions to Functionality. In the 1950s, the architectural approach of the Franco regime in Spain began to shift. The evolution is evident in Madrid’s buildings, such as the former Trade Unions House—now the Ministry of Health—which illustrate the transition from monumentality to functionality. We examine key sites and their current state.