Ghost Town Granadilla: A Tragic Legacy of Forced Eviction

Granadilla, a remote town in the hills of Extremadura, western Spain, stands frozen in time, a haunting reminder of a past marked by forced evacuation. Almost 70 years ago, the community was uprooted due to a government blunder under the regime of Fascist dictator Francisco Franco. Founded in the 9th century by the Moors, Granadilla was known as Granada until it was renamed “little Granada” after the Christian reconquest, and it became a significant defensive outpost along the historic Vía de la Plata trade route.

In 1955, the Spanish government ordered the evacuation of Granadilla’s residents, claiming that the construction of the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir would submerge the town. Families were compelled to abandon their homes and relocate to nearby villages. Between 1959 and 1969, approximately 1,000 residents were evicted, with many receiving no compensation until 1973. Ironically, the water levels never reached Granadilla, which remained perched safely above the floodplain.

As the waters around Granadilla rose for two years, the town briefly became an island, but it was never submerged. By the time officials recognized the error, the evacuation had been completed. The government refused to allow the former inhabitants to return, sealing the town’s fate. Following the last departures in the 1960s, Granadilla fell into disrepair.

Restoration Efforts and Ongoing Hope

In 1980, Granadilla was designated a Historic-Artistic Site, prompting efforts for restoration. The Spanish government initiated a youth program in the 1980s, enabling students and volunteers to contribute to the town’s rebuilding. Despite these efforts, Granadilla remains uninhabited today.

Tourists now explore the abandoned streets, wander through the dilapidated houses, and climb the castle tower for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Former residents and their descendants gather annually to remember their lost village, keeping the spirit of Granadilla alive. Many still harbor hopes of returning to their ancestral home.

Eugenio Jimenéz, president of the Sons of Granadilla association, has campaigned tirelessly for the return of residents. He describes the situation as akin to a “Greek tragedy,” stating, “the living were pushed out and the dead were denied the right to sleep in their village forever.” Jimenéz reflects on the injustices faced during the Franco regime, lamenting, “They kicked us out, claiming the dam would flood the town, which was impossible because the town is higher than the dam.”

Despite the transition to democracy, Jimenéz expresses frustration over the lack of response from the government regarding Granadilla’s recovery. He hopes to be buried in the town, asserting, “The only way I’ll be able to return to my village would be when I pass away. In the place where I grew up, I’ll sleep forever.”

Granadilla remains a poignant symbol of loss and resilience, capturing the struggles of its former residents and their enduring connection to a place that, despite its abandonment, continues to evoke powerful memories and aspirations for the future.