Monumento a los Caidos (Monument to the Fallen), Pamplona

The Monument to the Fallen stands as a solemn reminder of the tragic toll of the Spanish Civil War in Pamplona. This structure serves as a commemorative tribute to the 4,500 Navarrese individuals who lost their lives fighting on the rebel side during the conflict. Designed by architects José Yárnoz and Víctor Eusa, the monument was constructed in 1942, shortly after the conclusion of the Civil War.

The architectural composition of the Monument to the Fallen is characterized by austere classicism, reflecting a return to traditional forms and motifs. The building features a central floor in the shape of a Greek cross, covered by a large dome that serves as its defining element. Lanterns adorn the sides of the dome, while a hexastyle porch with smooth square shafts and a mixtilinear pediment adds to its dignified presence. Despite the exterior's sense of heaviness and proportion, the interior exudes lightness and spaciousness, creating a profound contrast.

In addition to its architectural significance, the Monument to the Fallen houses a crypt where several soldiers were interred between July 17, 1961, and November 2016. Notably, among those buried here are Emilio Mola and José Sanjurjo, prominent figures involved in the coup d'état against the Republic that precipitated the Civil War. The walls of the monument's interior bear the names of the Navarrese individuals who perished in combat on the nationalist side, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. Despite its somber origins, the monument has undergone a transformation in recent years, now hosting small municipal exhibitions and serving as a venue for cultural events, symbolizing a shift towards remembrance and reconciliation.