Saint Martin's church and Monastery in Belchite from the south
Saint Martin's church Belchite and its Monastery (to the right of the road) looking north. The climate in this part of Spain is both hotter in summer and drier than the Limousin in France, hence the relative lack of deterioration of the ruins. Spain has not put as much effort into preserving its Civil War monuments as has France into its W.W.II sites of remembrance such as Oradour. Spain is trying to forget a bitter Civil War, France to remember the cost of defeat. When France tests its nuclear weapons it is telling the world, 'remember we are well armed'. See also the view inside the church.
© Michael Williams: July 2003 ... revised February 2004