Peironcely 10, Madrid

In the heart of Madrid's Puente de Vallecas district, nestled within the working-class neighborhood of Entrevías, stands a humble yet historically significant building known as Peironcely 10. This unassuming structure, built in the early 20th century, holds within its walls stories of resilience and tragedy that have left an indelible mark on Spanish history.

The Historical Significance of Peironcely 10

Peironcely 10, also referred to in Spanish as Casa de Peironcely 10, gained international recognition during the Spanish Civil War. In November 1936, the building was immortalized by the lens of renowned war photographer Robert Capa. His photograph, capturing the aftermath of the bombings by German and Italian aviation in support of the Nationalist forces, became an iconic image symbolizing the horrors of war and the vulnerability of civilians, particularly children.

The photograph, which first appeared in publications such as the magazine Regards and the Zürcher Illustrierte, showcased the devastation wrought by the bombings on the working-class neighborhood. The image of the bombed-out building with children playing in the rubble poignantly highlighted the human cost of the conflict. This marked the first time in history that a European capital experienced systematic aerial bombings, a grim precursor to the widespread terror that would later engulf the continent during World War II.

The Architecture and Current State of Peironcely 10

Constructed in 1927, Peironcely 10 is an example of neomudéjar architecture, a style commonly used for working-class housing in early 20th-century Spain. The building comprises a single story divided into 14 small apartments, each measuring approximately 25 square meters. The apartments are arranged around interior courtyards, providing a communal space for residents.

The exterior of the building, with its pinkish hue and exposed brickwork, tells a story of time and neglect. Despite its historical importance, Peironcely 10 has fallen into disrepair. The residents, many of whom are low-income families, have had to contend with crumbling walls, peeling paint, and the ever-present threat of asbestos from old fibrocement pipes. The building's owner has largely neglected its upkeep, leaving the tenants to fend for themselves.

Despite these challenges, the building remains a vital part of the community. The residents have shown remarkable resilience, patching up holes and making do with what they have. Their struggle underscores the broader issues of housing and social inequality in modern Madrid.

A Campaign for Preservation

In recent years, efforts to preserve Peironcely 10 have gained momentum. In 2010, photographer José Latova rediscovered the building, sparking renewed interest in its historical significance. The Fundación Anastasio de Gracia launched a campaign in 2017 to save the building from demolition after the owner sought a permit to tear it down.

The campaign, known as #SalvaPeironcely10, has garnered support from various quarters, including prominent figures like historian Ian Gibson and Nobel laureate Adolfo Pérez Esquivel. The initiative also received backing from international organizations such as the International Center of Photography in New York, the Goethe Institute, and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.

The vision for Peironcely 10's future is to transform it into a museum dedicated to the memory of the bombings during the Spanish Civil War. The proposed museum would feature a 258-square-meter exhibition space, a 43-square-meter hall for screenings and conferences, and a recreation of one of the original apartments. This would offer visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of the building's residents during one of the darkest periods in Spanish history.

Steps Toward a New Beginning

In December 2019, Peironcely 10 was included in the Catalog of Protected Elements of the Community of Madrid, securing its status as a cultural and historical landmark. The building's use was officially changed from residential to cultural, paving the way for its transformation into a museum.

The Madrid City Council has taken steps to expropriate the property, with plans to relocate the current residents to more suitable housing. While the process has faced delays and challenges, the goal remains to preserve Peironcely 10 as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the horrors of war.

Visiting Peironcely 10

For those interested in history, Peironcely 10 offers a unique and poignant experience. While the building itself may not boast the grandeur of more famous landmarks, its significance lies in the stories it holds and the lives it has touched. A visit to Peironcely 10 is an opportunity to reflect on the impact of war on ordinary people and to honor the memory of those who lived through it.

As efforts to preserve and transform Peironcely 10 continue, it stands as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about Madrid's hidden stories, Peironcely 10 is a place worth exploring, offering a powerful reminder of the past and a beacon for the future.