Medieval Royal Remains Evacuated as Wildfire Threatens Spanish Monastery

The encroaching wildfire in northeastern Spain has forced the emergency evacuation of the remains of medieval kings from the historic Royal Pantheon at the Old Monastery of San Juan de la Peña. The fire, which has already ravaged 8,000 hectares, now threatens this significant site from the medieval Kingdom of Aragón.

Members of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) and heritage officials carefully removed the remains of kings Ramiro I, Sancho I, and Pedro I, along with their families, who are buried in the pantheon. These early rulers of Aragón lived in the 11th and early 12th centuries. Images released by UME show transparent caskets containing skulls and bone fragments being secured. Other heritage items, including paintings and historical clothing, were also moved to the Provincial Museum of Huesca for safekeeping.

The blaze originated in the municipality of Las Peñas de Riglos and has led to the evacuation of nearly 900 people from 12 villages and a campsite. The monastery, a key landmark built into a rock face, has immense historical and cultural value. It previously suffered a fire in the 17th century, after which a new monastery was constructed nearby. The fire, which was about 50% under control on Friday, flared up again overnight, prompting further evacuations as it advances towards the city of Jaca.

Authorities have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire. Firefighters continue to battle the flames, which are moving towards a region of significant historical and cultural importance.