麻豆社

Michael continues his rail journey through Spain with his 1930s Bradshaw鈥檚 guide. At the Museo Reina Sofia, Michael hears how the bombing of a small town in the Basque region in 1937 inspired one of the 20th century鈥檚 most shocking works of art.

Zaragoza鈥檚 modern tram network takes Michael to a factory where he is invited to test-drive new rolling stock destined for Britain. In the shadow of the city鈥檚 splendid cathedral, Michael learns to dance the Jota. In the northern town of Huesca, Michael meets the son of author George Orwell, who fought against Franco on what was the front line between Nationalist and Republican forces. Together, they visit the preserved trenches, and Michael finds out how Orwell鈥檚 experiences shaped his novels.

Michael鈥檚 final stop is on the border with France, at Canfranc Station. At the time of his guidebook it was a magnificent terminus, but today it stands ruined and derelict. Michael learns of the role it played during the Second World War and hears about its forthcoming new lease of life.