The prison of Carabanchel was built after the Spanish Civil War, between 1940 and 1944, to host thousands of political prisoners, who were also used in the construction works. The prison, one of the largest in Europe, was part of the fascist built environment that transformed Madrid after the conflict.
The building was closed and abandoned in 1998. It is populated now by graffitti writers, drug addicts, illegal immigrants and homeless people. The place has been looted and vandalized. It is an ambiguous landmark in the neighborhood: at the same time a painful souvenir of a darker period and a symbol of the struggle for democracy. Also, after Francoism, the prison hosted Basque terrorists belonging to the independentist group ETA.
Since 1998 the premises have been the center of debates between neighbors, grassroots associations, politicians and local authorities, regarding the fate of this uncomfortable heritage.
The Carabanchel Project is coordinated by Carmen Ortiz García. Team members include Javier Arteaga Moralejo, Víctor Fernández Martínez, Tamara Ferrera Jiménez, Fernando Figueroa Saavedra, Alfredo González-Ruibal, Cristina Sánchez Carretero and Virtudes Téllez Delgado.
Photo: Alfredo González-Ruibal
 by Carabanchel Project
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