Until February 26, 2023, the exhibition Where are they? 85 years of mass graves of the Civil War in Catalonia.
The exhibition is located in a small room of the Palau Robert where the aim was to recreate the conditions in which thousands of missing persons are found.
A “mass grave” has been excavated in the room. One that could be that of many.
On display are leather half-boots, a canteen made of iron and cork, a pocket watch, a copper spoon.
These and other objects somehow tell a story of life and also of death. These objects were once used by some of those who were never traced again.
To take a look at these rusted objects is to be inside the mass grave. It is evidence of the still open wound in society and a sample of what the relatives of the disappeared have gone through in trying to find them.
Where are they? 85 years of mass graves
The exhibition proposal has been led by the professor and historian of the University of Barcelona, UB, Queralt Solé.
The pit is something like a black hole recreated with objects found next to the remains exhumed over the years.
All this together with testimonies of soldiers who explain how they lived the war and what they had to live through being on the battle front. And who managed to survive.
But the question remains latent as an echo that the visitor can feel throughout the exhibition.
It is the sample of the bewilderment of thousands of families with relatives who disappeared between 1936 and 1939 and for whom they are still searching.
They say that some died at the front, in a field hospital, or perhaps they were killed, shot by the Franco dictatorship. What is also unknown is where they were buried.
However, the tour also discloses what is being done to find them.
In this regard, the Generalitat is working on three lines of action:
- The exhumation of graves of which 887 have been located and 12,902 deceased referenced.
- The census of missing persons in which there are 6,555 registered.
- The collection of DNA evidence from living relatives, in order to cross-reference it with evidence from the skeletal remains found.
Other details of the exhibition
The exhibit also includes an interactive map showing the location of the graves and the status of each one.00
Where are they? has brought a direct effect so that the Govern at the end of December allocated up to five million euros to the interventions in graves, in order to accelerate the anthropological and genetic analysis of the remains recovered under the guardianship of the Conselleria de Justícia.
By the way… do you know the Palau Robert?
The Palau Robertes is an emblematic building located at Paseo de Gracia 107.
Originally the private residence of Robert Robert i Surís, a prominent businessman and aristocrat, this historic palace has now become a center for public exhibitions, cultural events and Catalonia’s tourist office.
History of the Palau Robert
The history of this emblematic building is intriguing and dates back to the early 20th century. At that time, Robert Robert i Surís, a powerful aristocrat, politician and businessman, owned the property as his personal residence. Henry Grandpierre was the architect responsible for its construction, which took place between 1898 and 1903. The building’s design reflects the transition from the 19th to the 20th century, with a unique blend of neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance styles. Unfortunately, during the Spanish Civil War it suffered some damage, but was later restored and reopened as a public exhibition hall. The history of this building is an essential part of Barcelona’s cultural heritage and should be visited by anyone interested in the history of the city.
In addition, the Palau Robert has had many uses over the years. Initially it was a private residence, but during the Spanish Civil War it was transformed into a military hospital. Later, the building was remodeled into an exhibition hall. At the end of the 20th century, it was renovated to become a cultural center, bookstore and information center of Catalonia. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, providing a wealth of information about the culture and history of Barcelona. The history of the Palau Robert is an example of the strength of the metropolis and is an important part of the city’s past.
Location of the Palau Robert
Nestled in the bustling Eixample district, Passeig de Gràcia 107 is home to a magnificent building that stands out for its exquisite façade and grandiose presence. It is the ideal place to start a tour of Barcelona’s cultural and artistic attractions, as it is easily accessible by public transport with several metro and bus lines nearby. From its rooftop, visitors can contemplate a spectacular view of the city, with monuments such as the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter and the hill of Montjuic in sight.
Explorers can also delve into the heritage of Catalonia within the walls of the building. The exhibitions at the Palau Robert offer a fascinating insight into the culture, traditions and art of the region. In addition, a cultural center within the grounds hosts concerts and conferences throughout the year, making it easy to visit other nearby attractions such as the Picasso Museum and the Cathedral.
Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, the gardens of the Palau Robert provide an oasis of peace. The collection of flowers and plants creates a tranquil atmosphere, while the design is reminiscent of the gardens of the mansions of the bourgeoisie of the late 19th century. It is the perfect place for those seeking a respite from the crowds and a hidden gem in Barcelona.
Services offered by the Palau Robert
Visitors to the Catalan capital can enjoy many wonderful amenities at the cultural center. This public space serves as a platform for exhibitions, showcasing the art, culture and history of the city. There is also a bookstore on the premises, which offers a wide variety of books, maps and souvenirs for sale. In addition, the tourist office is an ideal source of practical information, such as transportation, lodging and restaurants.
If you are looking for a quiet respite from the busy city life, the paradisiacal gardens of the cultural center provide a peaceful setting to relax and appreciate nature. In addition, the helpful staff is available to answer your questions and suggest activities in the area. In short, the cultural center offers many services to make the visitor’s experience in Barcelona a pleasant and memorable one.
Gardens of the Palau Robert
A real gem in the heart of the city, this former private residence of Robert Robert i Surís, a notable businessman and aristocrat of the early 20th century, is now open to the public. Rich in history, architecture and urban planning, the gardens of the Palau Robert offer visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Barcelona’s bourgeoisie at the end of the 19th century.
With three large flowerbeds filled with plants and trees, such as palms, magnolias, cacti and roses, the gardens are a haven of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The winding sand paths widen to form small squares, providing visitors with a quiet place to contemplate the beauty of the gardens.
Nature lovers will also find much to appreciate in the gardens of the Palau Robert. A wide variety of birds, butterflies and other small animals call these gardens home, providing a great opportunity to observe the region’s biodiversity and the vital role that green spaces play in urban ecosystems.
A testament to the ingenuity of the architects and gardeners who designed it, the Palau Robert Gardens offer a unique experience not to be missed by anyone wishing to explore the beauty and tranquility of Barcelona.
Biodiversity
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city lies a vibrant oasis of biodiversity: the Palau Robert Gardens. Here, visitors can find a wide variety of plants, from Mediterranean pines to cacti and succulents, many of which are rare and unique to the area. Butterflies, bees and other bird species can also be seen, highlighting the importance of protecting the habitats and the biodiversity they contain.
This stunning garden reminds us that nature can flourish even in the most unlikely places, and that it is our duty to preserve and protect the diversity of life around us. From the largest pine trees to the tiniest insects, each species plays an important role in maintaining a healthy environment. Consequently, the gardens of the Palau Robert are a significant representation of how vital biodiversity is to our planet.
