Spanish Rebels Picked Off By Loyalists Hidden In Cathedral Spanish Government militiamen took possession of the Cathedral of Sig羹enza and waged a desperate battle with the rebels from the parapets and places of concealment . Sig羹enza is a town some distance to the North - east of Madrid and is of considerable importance in the Government advance on Saragossa [ Zaraoza ] , the rebel stronghold . The Government marksmen hidden in the Cathedral were able to take heavy toll of the rebel forces , who are reluctant to use artillery against places of worship . Photo shows : Government sharpshooters firing at rebels from the belfry of Siguenza Cathedral 17 Aug 1936 *** Local Caption ***