It is the capital of Campo de Belchite comarca (administrative region) and is located in a plain surrounded by low hills, the highest of which is Lobo.

In 1122 Alfonso the Battler founded the Confraternity of Belchite to defend the frontier between the Christian kingdoms and al-Andalus.

On 15 June 1809, during the Peninsular War French and Spanish forces fought in the Battle of María near the town.

Between 24 August and 7 September 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, loyalist Spanish Republican forces fought Francisco Franco's rebel forces in the Battle of Belchite in and around the town.

The ruins were also used in the opening scene of the 1983 ITV documentary The Spanish Civil War.