Pazo de Meirás declared a Place of Democratic Memory

The Pazo de Meirás in A Coruña has been officially declared a Place of Democratic Memory. The estate, which served as the summer residence of dictator Francisco Franco between 1938 and 1975, was acquired during the Spanish Civil War through forced contributions from municipalities, officials, and private individuals. While a 2020 judicial ruling annulled the donation to the Franco family, the property is now part of the national heritage.

The designation also highlights the historical context of the era, including the tragic deaths of Jaime Quiroga Pardo Bazán and his 17-year-old grandson, who were detained, tortured, and killed during the conflict.

In a similar vein of historical expropriation, the Fortaleza de Pollença in Mallorca is noted for its history of seizure during the Franco regime. Originally a 17th-century defense against corsairs, the property has transitioned from a historical landmark to a high-value estate, recently appearing on the market for 120 million euros.