Stop 11 – Figueres, communications hub

Theoretical military targets marked by Franco's supporters on a 1938 map; the station stands out. (AHEA)

“[…] and the station, which is of the utmost importance for carrying out the transshipments of material and gasoline imported by road.”

«Summary of military objectives of the province of Gerona», 1938 (AHEA)

The Alt Empordà region became a strategic territory for the Republican war effort, and Figueres channelled the arrival and distribution of various materials, turning the station into a prominent military target that was repeatedly bombed, and turning the city into an important communications hub.

In front of the station, the Local Passive Defence Board (JLDP) designed one of its shelters: an underground construction, with a main room longitudinal to the boulevard, covered in concrete and bricks, externally protected by a layer of earth 2.5 meters high and with a surface area of 500 m2, and with two opposite stepped accesses, one towards the square and the other towards the station.

This shelter was the scene of dramatic events during the heavy bombings of February 1939.

Currently located, it has been partially recovered, but has not yet been opened to the public.