Cross of Aneto summit deliberately cut down and removed in act of vandalism
The historic cross that stood at the 3,404-metre summit of Aneto has been cut down and thrown from the mountain in a deliberate act of vandalism. Spain’s Guardia Civil has opened an investigation, with early indications pointing to the use of a power tool to sever the structure at its base.
The metal cross that stood on the summit of Aneto has disappeared after being intentionally cut from its base in what investigators believe was a deliberate act. Images from the site show a clean cut consistent with the use of a radial power tool, ruling out natural causes such as wind or structural failure.
The alert was raised in mid-April 2026 after climbers reported the monument missing. Authorities believe the structure, which weighs around 100 kilograms, may have been thrown down the mountainside, complicating recovery efforts. Spain’s Guardia Civil, through its mountain rescue unit (GREIM), has opened an investigation and considers vandalism the primary hypothesis.
The incident has caused strong reactions in the Benasque valley and among the mountaineering community, particularly as the cross had been restored and reinstalled in August 2025 after previous deterioration.
Source: desnivel, lavanguardia
Photo: desnivel