University Removes Old Fascist Symbols from Courtyard Balcony

Source: El Comercio, Andres Presedo, Jun 27, 2007

At the break of dawn yesterday workers at the Laboral University in Gijon, Asturias, Spain permanently hid the seven large fascist cast-iron coat of arms that have decorated the balcony overlooking the interior courtyard since the university was built decades ago. They were covered up with same sized bronze plaques showing the coat of arms of the principality. These are not the only fascist symbols still found on the building. There are numerous architectural details such as column capitals made of banded arrows, and door lintels decorated with eagles, that refer to Franco's party and the nation's fascist past, but those that remain cannot be easily removed. After covering the old symbols, the workers went on to their next task: installing five flag poles for the five new flags that the university will be flying: Europe, Spain, Asturias, Gijon, and the University's own flag.