Almería: Visit to the Shelters of the Spanish Civil War

Almería’s underground shelters offer a haunting yet educational glimpse into the region’s tumultuous past. Spanning nearly a kilometer, this 75-minute tour takes visitors deep underground, showcasing the resilience of those who sought refuge from the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. Guided by knowledgeable experts, the tour provides a profound understanding of this poignant chapter in Almería’s history. With flexible booking options and high praise for the quality of the experience, this tour is a must-visit for those seeking to uncover the hidden stories of the past.

Key Points

1. Explore the intricate network of underground galleries in Almería that provided refuge for up to 40,000 people during the Spanish Civil War.

2. Descend 9 to 16 meters underground to discover the small hospital, operating room, and children’s artwork preserved within the wartime shelters.

3. Set out on a 75-minute guided tour led by knowledgeable experts who share historical anecdotes and insights about the resilience of Almería’s residents.

4. Witness the scale and complexity of this wartime monument, which stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Spanish people.

5. Conveniently book your tour with flexible options, including a "reserve now, pay later" feature, and enjoy the expertise of guides praised for their engaging commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Step Back in Time

As you descend into the underground galleries, you’re transported back in time to the tumultuous events of the Spanish Civil War.

The narrow corridors and dim lighting evoke a sense of unease, mirroring the fear and uncertainty that gripped Almería’s residents during the bombings.

Navigating the galleries, you’ll encounter a small hospital, complete with an operating room and children’s artwork adorning the walls – a poignant reminder of the resilience and humanity that thrived even in the darkest of times.

This powerful historical experience offers a glimpse into a chapter of Spain’s past, preserved for present-day visitors.

Exploring the Underground Galleries

Stretching nearly 1 kilometer, the underground galleries visitors explore offer a captivating glimpse into Almería’s past.

A knowledgeable guide leads the 75-minute tour, sharing anecdotes about the network that sheltered up to 40,000 people during bombings.

Descents of 9 to 16 meters underground reveal a small hospital with an operating room and children’s artwork on the walls.

Descents into the underground reveal a small hospital with an operating room and children’s artwork adorning the walls.

An old pantry and other intriguing spaces showcase the impressive scale and complexity of this wartime monument.

Exploring the underground galleries provides a unique opportunity to connect with Almería’s history and the resilience of its people.

The Impressive Monument

One of the most impressive monuments in Almería, the intricate network of underground galleries stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the city’s inhabitants during the Spanish Civil War.

These sprawling shelters, spanning nearly 4.5 kilometers, were designed to protect up to 40,000 people from aerial bombardments.

The tour includes:

• A small hospital with an operating room and children’s artwork adorning the walls

• Descents of 9 to 16 meters underground, including an old pantry

• Knowledgeable guides sharing anecdotes and historical insights

• The convenience of skipping the ticket line

This underground labyrinth is a powerful reminder of Almería’s past and a must-visit destination for those intrigued by the Spanish Civil War.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour’s highlights invite visitors to explore Almería’s wartime history.

Explore a small hospital with an operating room and children’s artwork adorning the walls.

Descend 9 to 16 meters underground, including an old pantry, offering a glimpse into the daily life of those who sought refuge.

One of the most impressive monuments in Almería, the tour skips the ticket line for convenience.

Visitors will be captivated by the scale and significance of this underground network, built to shelter around 40,000 people during bombings of the Spanish Civil War.

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Booking and Visitor Information

How can travelers book the tour and what guidelines should they follow?

The tour is priced from $13.11 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can reserve their spot without initial payment using the "reserve now, pay later" option.

The meeting point is the entrance of the monument next to Manuel Perez Garcia square, and guests should arrive 10 minutes early.

Recommended items include comfortable shoes, but pets, luggage, and large bags are prohibited.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, but pets, luggage, and large bags are prohibited on the tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

• Price: From $13.11 per person

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

• "Reserve now, pay later" option

• Meeting point: Entrance of the monument, arrive 10 minutes early

Discovering the Hospital and Pantry

As visitors descend 9 to 16 meters underground, they’ll discover a small hospital tucked away within the vast network of galleries.

This hidden medical facility features an operating room and private rooms where children’s artwork adorns the walls.

Nearby, an old pantry provides a glimpse into the daily life of those seeking refuge from the bombings above.

The guides share fascinating anecdotes about the people who lived in these underground shelters, bringing the history to life.

This unique discovery is one of the highlights that makes the tour of the Almería shelters an unforgettable experience.

Accommodating English-Speaking Visitors

How accommodating are the tour guides for English-speaking visitors? The tour offers live guides in Spanish, with English language support available.

According to reviews, the guides excel at accommodating English speakers:

• Guides are praised for their ability to provide clear, informative commentary in English.

• They tailor their explanations and anecdotes to ensure all visitors, regardless of language, have an engaging experience.

• The tour is suitable for English-speaking travelers, with guides going the extra mile to ensure everyone understands the history and significance of the underground shelters.

• Visitors highlight the guides’ expertise, enthusiasm, and flexibility in catering to the needs of their international audience.

Travelers’ Recommendations

Travelers wholeheartedly recommend the tour of the Spanish Civil War shelters in Almería. The tour receives an outstanding 4.9/5 rating, with particular praise for the knowledgeable guides and their ability to accommodate English-speaking visitors. Travelers highlight the tour’s value for money, scoring it 4.4/5. The experience is described as informative and engaging, making it a must-visit for those interested in the Spanish Civil War.

| Rating | Score |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.9/5 |

| Guide | 4.9/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.4/5 |

| Positive Comments | Informative guides, English support |

| Recommendation | Highly recommended for Civil War enthusiasts |

Frequently Asked Questions

How Deep Do the Galleries Extend Underground?

The galleries extend 9 to 16 meters underground, allowing visitors to experience the depth of the shelters built to protect citizens during the Spanish Civil War.

Are There Any Stairs or Elevators to Access the Galleries?

The galleries are accessed via descents of 9 to 16 meters underground, with no stairs or elevators. Visitors must be able to navigate the stairs and descents on their own, as the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Are Audio Guides Available in Multiple Languages?

Audio guides are not mentioned, but the tour includes a live tour guide available in Spanish with English support, making it suitable for English-speaking visitors. Multilingual audio guides don’t seem to be offered.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?

Visitors can take photos and videos during the tour, but they should avoid using flashes and respect the guide’s instructions. The underground galleries provide a unique opportunity to capture historical moments from the Spanish Civil War.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are no restroom facilities available during the tour. Visitors are advised to use the restrooms prior to the start of the 75-minute underground gallery tour. The tour does not include any stops for restroom breaks.

The Sum Up

The underground shelters of Almería provide a profound and educational experience, offering visitors a glimpse into the resilience of those who sought refuge during the Spanish Civil War. Spanning nearly a kilometer, the 75-minute tour takes guests 9 to 16 meters underground, showcasing a hospital, operating room, and children’s artwork. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this tour is a must-visit for those interested in Almería’s wartime history.

You can check availability for your dates here: