The Institute for Jewish Studies Barcelona (EJB) the Matanel Sefarad Seminar and The Spanish Association of Military Archaeology are happy to present the 2026 cohort of the Critical Heritage Laboratory - a fieldwork training program that took place this summer in Belchite, Spain.
The Critical Heritage Laboratory brings together students from all disciplines, along with educators, cultural heritage professionals, and social activists, for a two-week immersive study camp that combines archaeological fieldwork and heritage studies specializing in Critical Heritage.
Program Overview
Participants take part in the excavation of a recently discovered medieval synagogue at a site that later became a famous battlefield during the Spanish Civil War, and also engaged in a training seminar on Critical Heritage, examining issues of representation, ownership, ethics, and responsibility when working with painful or contested pasts.
The Heritage Laboratory encourages and support participants in initiating and developing research, educational, and applied projects in the field.
Language of instruction: English, Spanish.
What is Critical Heritage?
In heritage studies, the term Critical, Difficult, or Dissonant Heritage refers to aspects of the past that are painful, shameful, or morally troubling for individuals and societies to remember and represent. It encompasses material remains, sites, memories, and narratives associated with conflict, violence, oppression, or trauma-elements of history that challenge collective identities and national pride.
Rather than commemorating a glorious or harmonious past, difficult heritage invites critical reflection and ethical engagement with uncomfortable histories. It encourages communities to confront how such legacies continue to shape present-day values, politics, and cultural memory, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity, responsibility, and reconciliation.
(For further reading, see: J. E. Tunbridge & G. J. Ashworth, Dissonant Heritage: The Management of the Past as a Resource in Conflict, 1995 - S. Macdonald, Difficult Heritage: Negotiating the Nazi Past in Nuremberg and Beyond, 2009. - Paul Gough, Sites of Conflict: Memorialisation and Representation of War in the 20th Century
Why Belchite?
Belchite, located in Aragón, Spain, is a town of layered history and striking ruins, where traces of medieval life intersect with the remnants of the Spanish Civil War.
As a multicultural medieval city that later became a famous battlefield (1937), Belchite offers a unique opportunity to explore centuries of coexistence, conflict, and memory within a single landscape.
Participants experience a living classroom, connecting the study of Jewish–Muslim coexistence in medieval Iberia with the archaeology of violence in modern conflict.
With its rich historical layers, Belchite serves as a living laboratory for understanding how societies confront and negotiate difficult pasts.
Program Dates
The Belchite Fieldwork program is structured in four two-week cycles (up to 10 fellows each).
Cycle 1: June 15 - 27 (Registration closed)
Cycle 2: June 29 - July 11
Cycle 3: July 13 – 25 (Complete)
Cycle 4: July 27 – August 9
participants may apply for one, several, or all cycles of the program.
Program schedule
Participants will engage in archaeological fieldwork five days per week, with one day allocated for educational excursions and one day designated for rest and personal activities.
Fieldwork will commence at 7:00 a.m. each weekday, to avoid the peak midday temperatures, and will continue until 12:30 p.m., followed by a lunch break.
During the midday break, participants will have access to the municipal swimming pool as well as the cafeteria-restaurant facilities.
Afternoon activities, taking place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will consist of laboratory, and study sessions.
Evenings will be free, allowing participants the opportunity to rest, socialize, or explore the local area.
Affiliation
The Belchite Heritage Laboratory is co-directed by
Dr. Alfonso Fanjul Peraza (Asociación Española de Arqueología Militar) and Dr. Ze’ev Maor (The Institute of Jewish Studies, Barcelona - EJB) in cooperation with the Fundación Pueblo Viejo de Belchite - Belchite City Council.
The Belchite Heritage Laboratory forms an integral part of the Matanel Sefarad Seminar - Jewish Studies Program of the EJB, supported by the Matanel Foundation.
Registration, Fees, and Scholarships (2026)
Program Fees
Accepted participants receive a scholarship, making the total program fee €500 per two-week cycle.
Accommodation (shared – two people per room) will be provided in New Belchite, located approximately a 10-minute walk from the excavation site.
The town offers several affordable restaurants and supermarkets for daily needs. The accommodation includes a shared kitchen for self-catering and a free laundry facility.
Scholarships*
Scholarships covers all lectures, excursions, accommodation, and materials.
Please note: travel to and from Belchite, as well as personal expenses, are not included in the program fee.
How to Apply
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Please access the application form, which provides detailed information about the program, registration options, scholarships, and more.
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Fill in the required details on the form and submit your application
Places are limited, and early applications are encouraged.
Applicants who apply early may receive early confirmation of acceptance.
Admission Process
Following the review of application forms and, if necessary, online interviews with shortlisted candidates, applicants will be notified regarding their admission to the program and eligibility for a scholarship.
Accepted participants will be asked to confirm their participation and submit a non-refundable deposit of €500 to secure their place in the program.
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F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will probably find the answer to your question here.
If not, please contact us directly
via e-mail info.ejbarcelona@gmail.com
How does the admission process work?
The first step is to fill in the online application form on the Seminar webpage. Following the review of application forms and, if necessary, online interviews with shortlisted candidates, applicants will be notified regarding their admission to the program and eligibility for a scholarship. Accepted participants will be asked to confirm their participation and submit a non-refundable deposit of €500 to secure their place in the program. Places are limited, and early applications are encouraged. Applicants who apply early may receive early confirmation of acceptance.
Is there an age limit for acceptance?
No, there is no age limit.
Do I need any Hebrew knowledge?
No, previous Hebrew knowledge is not required.
Do I need proof of English proficiency?
No language certificate is required, but an assessment will be done during the interview process.
Where will the program take place?
The program takes place in Belchite, Aragón, Spain, a historic town known for its striking ruins and complex past. Activities are centered around both the archaeological site of Belchite Viejo—where participants take part in field excavations uncovering remains from the Spanish Civil War and earlier periods—and the modern town of Belchite, which provides the necessary infrastructure for study and daily life. Participants work each morning on archaeological excavations within the ruins, and in the afternoons, they continue learning through laboratory analysis, lectures, and study sessions held in nearby classrooms and research facilities. The program also incorporates educational excursions to explore the broader historical and cultural landscape of Aragón, linking fieldwork with classroom-based discussions.
What about accommodation in Belchite?
Accommodation (shared – two people per room) will be provided in New Belchite, located approximately a 10-minute walk from the excavation site. The town offers several affordable restaurants and supermarkets for daily needs. The accommodation includes a shared kitchen for self-catering and a free laundry facility.
Travel information and tips
Nearest major cities: Madrid and Barcelona. Nearest transport hub: Zaragoza Participants can easily reach Zaragoza by train or bus from Madrid or Barcelona. From Zaragoza, a regular bus service to Belchite operates around ten times per day, departing from the Zaragoza Central Bus Station. A detailed timetable will be provided prior to the start of the program. Travel tips: High-speed trains (AVE) from Madrid or Barcelona to Zaragoza are fast but can be costly. Intercity buses offer a more affordable alternative and provide comfortable service. The journey from Zaragoza to Belchite takes approximately one hour. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own travel and health insurance. Climate and Clothing: Due to high temperatures, participants should bring light summer clothing and sunscreen. Necessities: Participants will find supermarkets, a pharmacy, and a medical center in Belchite to purchase daily necessities or access medical care.
Do I need a visa?
No visa is required for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, or for students from the U.S., Latin America, or Israel for stays of up to 90 days, as long as their passport is valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay. It is recommended for students from other countries to check with their local Spanish consulate.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
If a participant cancels more than 28 days before the start of the Seminar, they will receive a 50% refund of the tuition fee, minus a €100 administrative fee. Cancellations within 28 days of or during the Seminar are non-refundable.
