The fascinating history of the Caserna del Bruc in Barcelona

Introduction

The Bruc barracks, in the Pedralbes neighborhood, is a barracks still in operation that belongs to the Spanish Army.

You may not know it, but a few blocks from the bustle of downtown Barcelona is a piece of military history. The Caserna del Bruc, or Cuartel del Bruc, is a military installation still in operation that belongs to the Land Forces of the Spanish Army. It was here where, on July 19, 1936, the rebel troops marched to overthrow the government of the Republic.

After marching down what was then called Avenida 14 de Abril, they took control of the city streets, which were filled with barricades built by the population and soldiers loyal to the government.

The national uprising

The rebel troops left the Government of the Republic from this military enclave on July 19, 1936. After going down Avenida Diagonal, then known as avenida del 14 de abril, they occupied the streets of the city, full of barricades built by the population and soldiers loyal to the Republican government.

Petition to transfer it to the city

The Bruc barracks is still currently occupied by several infantry units of the Spanish Army. Since 2008, the municipal governments of the city have asked the Ministry of Defense to hand it over to the city for social uses, but the request has not been successful.

Introduction to the Caserna del Bruc

La Caserna del Bruc is a military barracks located in the Barcelona neighborhood of Pedralbes that is still in operation and belongs to the Spanish Army.

The rebel troops set out from this military enclave to overthrow the government on July 19, 1936. After walking down Avenida Diagonal (then known as Avenida del 14 de Abril), they occupied the streets of the city, which were lined with barricades built by the population and soldiers loyal to the government.

The role of the Casena del Bruc in the Spanish Civil War

Caserna del Bruc was a key place in the Spanish Civil War.

On July 19, 1936, the rebel troops left the barracks and occupied the streets of Barcelona. They met with resistance from the local population, who had built barricades to protect their town.

Caserna del Bruc was a key location in the Spanish Civil War and played an important role in the conflict.

The reaction of the people of Barcelona to the occupation

When the rebel troops marched down the avenue, the streets were packed with people, most eager to see what would happen. There were also quite a few people terrified, not knowing what the rebels would do next.

The atmosphere was tense and restless. Barcelona was occupied by troops loyal to the government and the city was in chaos.

From civil war to historical monument

On July 19, 1936, the Bruc Barracks served as the starting point for the rebel troops against the Government of the Republic. After heading towards Avenida Diagonal, then known as Avenida del 14 de Abril, the soldiers occupied several streets and squares and confronted soldiers loyal to the Republican government. This caused one of the most important conflicts in the recent history of Barcelona.

For decades there has been discussion about how to turn this place into a historical monument that would preserve its memory and offer the public opportunities to learn about the recent past. Today, the Cuartel del Bruc is a historical museum that can be visited by all those who want to learn about its fascinating history.

Restoration of the Caserna del Bruc

After the Civil War, Bruc Casern was gradually restored to its former splendor. During the 1960s, the building was occupied by a group of students from the prestigious University of Barcelona. They undertook extensive repairs that turned it into a venue for cultural activities and a museum that honors those who fought in the Civil War. The remodeling also included a name change, since the soldiers referred to it simply as "El Casern". Today, it is known as El Cúrtel del Bruc and serves as an active military headquarters for the Spanish Army. Visitors can explore its many historic buildings, including squares and towers, along with its courtyard and gardens.

Conclusion

The Bruc Barracks, in the Pedralbes neighborhood, is a military post still in operation belonging to the Land Forces of the Spanish Army. Since 2008, the city's municipal governments have asked the Ministry of Defense to hand it over to the city for social uses, but the petition has not prospered.