Neither Belchite nor Trasmoz: the haunted village in Aragon where George Orwell fought in the Civil War.

Every time Halloween approaches and one thinks of haunted places, the same Spanish towns always come to mind: Trasmoz and Belchite. However, there is another town in Aragon that was also the scene of fierce battles during the Civil War and where paranormal activity is much more prevalent than in other parts of the country: the town of Alcubierre, located in the south of the province of Huesca.

This town of 400 residents is located in the Los Monegros region, very close to Zaragoza. While it boasts precious gems in its historic center, what makes it special is its incredible history. Located in the mountain range of the same name, this town has witnessed bloody clashes in which George Orwell himself, author of 1984 , fought. These conflicts have also led to a significant supernatural presence in the town decades later.

Alcuberre, a town marked by the Civil War

Walking through the streets of Alcubierre, you'll discover an imposing building that surprises every visitor: the Church of Santa Ana (14th-16th century) and its spectacular Mudejar tower are one of the region's most fascinating treasures. Furthermore, in the town center, you can also discover several manor houses that have stood for a long time and add to the town's charm.

However, the town still bears a strong mark left by the Civil War, where the illustrious George Orwell passed through. The writer was stationed in the Alcubierre mountain range in 1937 and fought in trenches that can now be visited on the so-called Orwell Route. In fact, the author recorded his time in the Huesca town in his work "Homage to Catalonia ," his account of his experience during the conflict.

The legends and ghosts of Alcubierre

The mark of the terrible war can still be seen in Alcubierre, although not in a tangible way: many visitors (and some locals) have reported apparitions of ghosts in various parts of the town, as well as the voices of soldiers, gunshots, and even the occasional march. Like the Old Town of Belchite, the Civil War has deeply marked this town in Huesca.

Another of the best-known legends surrounding the Huesca municipality is that of the Hermitage of San Caprasio, located high in the mountains. It is said to have been built after a shepherd threw his staff from the Sierra de Guara (in the Pre-Pyrenees) and it fell on this spot, where a spring emanated and, ultimately, the sanctuary was built. There are also several caves surrounding it that enhance the temple's mysticism.

As for illustrious characters from Alcubierre, the most notable is undoubtedly the famous bandit known as 'El Cucaracha', who for some is a kind of Aragonese Robin Hood and for others simply a hustler who assaulted intrepid (and naive) travelers who ventured into the arid roads that run through Los Monegros.

How to get to Alcubierre

The town of Alcubierre is located half an hour by road from the city of Huesca. To get there from the provincial capital, take the A-131 for a few minutes, then take the A-1213 for several kilometers. Finally, turn onto the A-1214 and the A-1211, which leads directly to the town center.