Headquarters of Section 10 of the Control Patrols: Culture and History in Barcelona
In Barcelona, specifically in the Province of Barcelona, there is one of the historical places that still stands, representing an important chapter in the history of the city and of Spain in general. We are referring to the building at number 52 Gran de Sant Andreu, which was the headquarters of section 10 of the Control Patrols during the Spanish Civil War.
The Control Patrols and their role in the war
The Control Patrols were created in July 1936 with the aim of maintaining public order in the different neighborhoods of Barcelona. These patrols depended on the Anti-Fascist Militia Committee of Catalonia and had police functions in the city.
In the specific case of Sant Andreu, section 10 of the Control Patrols was established in the building located at number 52 Gran de Sant Andreu street. This section was in charge of controlling the majority of the neighborhoods that make up the current district of Sant Andreu.
The actions of the Control Patrols
During the time they were active, the Control Patrols carried out controversial and violent actions. They persecuted and arrested ecclesiastics, Carlists, businessmen, Falangists and other people who were considered contrary to the revolution. In addition, they dedicated themselves to requisitioning and looting churches and private homes in Barcelona.
These actions generated strong criticism both at the time and in posterity. Some argued that these patrols had become groups of repression and extrajudicial execution, using their power to impose their own political vision and persecute those who did not share it.
The end of Control Patrols
Finally, the Control Patrols were dissolved in 1937 by decree. Its dissolution was largely due to criticism and general rejection of its way of acting. Many considered that these patrols had lost their original objective of maintaining public order and had become instruments of repression.
Despite its controversial existence, the trace of the past still remains at number 52 Gran de Sant Andreu. This building represents one of the many historical places that remind us of the importance of reflecting on and learning from the past.
For many, visiting the headquarters of section 10 of the Control Patrols can be an opportunity to understand more deeply the events that took place in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. Furthermore, it invites us to reflect on the consequences of violence and repression in society.
In conclusion, the headquarters of section 10 of the Control Patrols in Barcelona is an emblematic place that allows us to delve into the history of the city and Spain. His role in the repression and persecution during the war invites us to reflect on the acts committed in those difficult years and learn from them so as not to repeat the same mistakes in the future.