Aug
17
The new mayor, Benito Portela, recently unveiled a plan to change the status of the house and grounds to that of a “public facility with free access”, opening the gates of the Franco family fortress.
Spanish dictator Francisco Franco Photo: AP
“The ultimate aim is to get the Pazo back,” Mr Portela said.
The property’s status as a private family home is already disputed. In 1938, in the middle of the Spanish civil war, pro-Franco businessmen in the area decided to buy the property as a gift for Franco, who took control of Spain the following year. They raised the money through public “donations” and it has been documented that public employees had their pay docked in order to finance the magnificent present.
The mansion has been declared a site of special cultural interest; two years ago, the family was forced to open the property to the public for four days each month after a lengthy legal dispute.
In order to take further control of the property, Sada’s council chiefs will have to negotiate with the regional government, which remains firmly in the hands of the PP.
As a first step, the council has requested control of organising the public visits, which are currently managed by a private firm.
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