Cimetière des Espagnols
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Cimetière des Espagnols

5
·10 reviews·Argelès-sur-Mer, France

A solemn memorial honoring Spanish Republican exiles and children who died in the Argelès concentration camp. A place for reflection and remembrance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

For quiet reflection

CrowdLow
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Cimetière des Espagnols

Cimetière des Espagnols

Best Time

Daytime

For quiet reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn memorial honoring Spanish Republican exiles and children who died in the Argelès concentration camp. A place for reflection and remembrance.

5
(10 reviews)

"A necessary reminder of events that are still little known, a place of memory and respect."

Vertical photo
TIP

Visit with Respect

This is a memorial site. Approach with reverence and quiet contemplation. :pray:

Learn the History

Understanding the context of the Spanish Civil War enhances the visit. :books:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Memorial Stele

Memorial Stele

A poignant monument remembering 216 buried here, many Spanish exiles. A vital reminder of history.

Graves of Exiles

Graves of Exiles

The resting place for those who fled repression, a testament to their struggle and sacrifice.

Children's Memorial

Children's Memorial

A touching tribute to the 70 children who perished in the Argelès camp.

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Planning Your Visit

A Place of Remembrance

This memorial honors Spanish Republicans exiled and interned in Argelès-sur-Mer. It's a solemn site for reflection on a difficult period of history. Visitors should approach with respect.

Understanding the History

The cemetery commemorates the tragic events of the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. Learning about the Argelès concentration camp beforehand enriches the visit and fosters deeper understanding.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
For quiet reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for visiting
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Elle filmait le nettoyage de tombes pour TikTok. Ce qui lui est arrivé après est terrifiant 🤯 #histoire #histoirevrai #mystere #tiktokfr #tiktokfrance #france
@visions_deffroi
206K likes • 3.8M views

Visit with Respect

This is a memorial site. Approach with reverence and quiet contemplation. :pray:

Learn the History

Understanding the context of the Spanish Civil War enhances the visit. :books:

Well-Maintained Site

The memorial is kept in good condition, reflecting ongoing remembrance. :sparkles:

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Tips

from all over the internet

Visit with Respect

This is a memorial site. Approach with reverence and quiet contemplation. :pray:

Learn the History

Understanding the context of the Spanish Civil War enhances the visit. :books:

Well-Maintained Site

The memorial is kept in good condition, reflecting ongoing remembrance. :sparkles:

What Travellers Say

5
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors describe the Cimetière des Espagnols as a modest yet essential memorial site, deeply moving for its remembrance of Spanish Republican exiles and children who perished in the Argelès camp. It's praised for being well-maintained and serving as a vital place for historical reflection and homage.

"A modest stele that remembers the place where the 216 dead in the Argelès camp were buried, 70 of them boys and girls. Many of them, Spanish and Catalan. A necessary reminder of events that are still little known."

Toni Mantis

"In the dark times looming over Europe, where racism and xenophobia are growing every day, it is comforting to find a place like this in our neighboring country.

It is a place of memory and homage to all those who suffered repression and exile for defending the democratic legality of the Second Spanish Republic, one of the most advanced democracies of its time.

Argelès-sur-Mer was the destination for thousands of people from Catalonia and throughout Spain, where they arrived after their exile through Le Perthus and Portbou."

Juan S

"Place of memory and respect for the 70 boys and girls, and all the women and men who died in the Argelès concentration camp. Visit the memorial that explains what the Argelès camp was like in the center of the town"

J B C

What People Like

Poignant remembrance
Well-maintained site
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Modest scale

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cimetière des Espagnols is located in Argelès-sur-Mer, France. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable. It's a place for quiet reflection, so consider the journey's pace.

The memorial is generally well-signposted within Argelès-sur-Mer. It's a modest stele, so look for signs directing you to historical sites or memorials related to the Spanish Civil War.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Cimetière des Espagnols is free. It is an open memorial site dedicated to remembrance and reflection.

As an outdoor memorial, the Cimetière des Espagnols is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the site.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Cimetière des Espagnols is a memorial site in Argelès-sur-Mer, France, commemorating the 216 individuals, many of them Spanish Republicans, who died in the Argelès concentration camp. It serves as a place of memory and homage to those who suffered repression and exile.

You will find a modest stele that remembers the 216 dead, including 70 boys and girls. The site is well-maintained and offers a solemn space for reflection on the historical events.

While photos are generally permitted, visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the solemn nature of the memorial. It's a place for remembrance, not casual tourism.

The site is a place of historical significance and remembrance. While children can visit, it's important to explain the context and ensure they understand the solemnity of the memorial.

📸 📸 Photography

The main stele and the individual grave markers are the primary subjects. Focus on capturing the solemnity and historical significance of the site. Consider the lighting during different times of the day for a more evocative shot.

While there are no explicit restrictions, visitors are expected to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography and prioritize capturing the memorial's essence rather than casual snapshots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath, the Cimetière des Espagnols offers a poignant and tangible connection to the past. It's a place to pay respects to the victims of exile and repression. Consider researching the history of the Argelès concentration camp beforehand to fully appreciate the significance of this memorial. Reddit

This site provides a quiet space for contemplation and learning, away from the typical tourist crowds. It's an opportunity to engage with a critical historical period in a meaningful way.

Those Seeking Reflection

If you're looking for a quiet, contemplative experience, the Cimetière des Espagnols is an ideal destination. It's a place to pause, reflect on the human cost of conflict, and honor the memory of those who suffered. The serene atmosphere allows for personal introspection. Reddit

Approach this site with a sense of respect and an open heart. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and understanding.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Argelès Concentration Camp and its Legacy

The Cimetière des Espagnols is intrinsically linked to the tragic history of the Argelès-sur-Mer concentration camp. Established in 1939, this camp was one of several set up by the French government to intern Spanish Republican refugees fleeing Franco's regime after the Spanish Civil War. Conditions in these camps were notoriously harsh, marked by overcrowding, lack of sanitation, and insufficient food and shelter. Thousands perished from disease, starvation, and exposure.

This memorial serves as a crucial reminder of the suffering endured by these exiles. It honors the 216 individuals buried here, a significant portion of whom were children. The site emphasizes the importance of remembering this often-overlooked chapter of history, highlighting the human cost of political conflict and exile. It stands as a testament to the resilience of those who sought refuge and a call for continued vigilance against xenophobia and repression. Reddit

Visiting the Cimetière des Espagnols offers a profound opportunity to connect with the past. It's not just a cemetery; it's a place of collective memory, urging visitors to reflect on the universal themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of historical events. The well-maintained nature of the site underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving this memory for future generations. Reddit

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