Spain exhumes fascist Falange leader

The exhumation of José Antonio Primo de Rivera from a giant mausoleum outside Madrid is part of the Spanish government’s ongoing drive against symbols of fascism


VALLEY OF CUELGAMUROS
Formerly known as Valley of the Fallen, resting place of over 30,000 soldiers killed in Civil War
   
Loathed by many as monument to fascist victory – political prisoners forced to help build it


Primo de Rivera: Founder of Falange movement, which inspired Gen Francisco Franco’s dictatorship


Santa Cruz Basilica: Carved into mountainside near Madrid

150m stone cross

Lift to cross

Basilica esplanade


SANTA CRUZ BASILICA
                                                                                            Entrance
Atrium 
Central nave

Burials

Primo de Rivera’s grave: Remains of fascist leader, who was executed by Republican firing squad in Nov 1936, relocated to Madrid’s San Isidro cemetery
     
Franco’s former tomb: Franco’s remains removed in 2019, angering far-right activists who still cherish his memory

260m
    

Sources: Patrimonio Nacional, Association for the Recovery of Historical Memory 
Pictures: Google Earth, Newscom
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