Almería’s underground shelters from the Spanish Civil War offer visitors a rare chance to step back in time and uncover the harrowing experiences of those who sought refuge there. This 75-minute guided tour takes you on an educational journey through nearly a kilometer of extensive galleries, descending up to 16 meters below ground. From exploring a small hospital to admiring children’s artwork on the walls, the tour provides a unique insight into a pivotal moment in Spain’s history. With an affordable price starting at just $13.03, it’s an engaging activity that shouldn’t be missed by history buffs and curious travelers alike. What secrets lie hidden beneath the surface?
Key Points
- The tour explores over 1 kilometer of underground galleries that served as critical shelters during the Spanish Civil War, housing up to 40,000 people.
- The 75-minute guided tour focuses on the historical significance of the underground network spanning 4.5 kilometers, providing vital protection for the local population.
- Visitors can descend up to 16 meters below the surface to discover a small hospital, operating room, and children’s artwork left on the walls.
- Online reservations are available, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, but the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or claustrophobia.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 235 reviews, highlighting the guide’s expertise and the educational and engaging nature of the experience.
Activity Overview
The ‘Almería: Visit to the Shelters of the Spanish Civil War‘ activity offers visitors the chance to explore over 1 kilometer of underground galleries that housed around 40,000 people during bombings in the Spanish Civil War.
The 75-minute tour highlights the historical significance of these shelters, allowing guests to discover a small hospital with an operating room and admire the art left by children on the walls.
At a price from $13.03 per person, the activity promises an engaging and educational experience, with the opportunity to learn about the events that unfolded during this tumultuous period in Spanish history.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Almeria.
Historical Significance
During the Spanish Civil War, these underground galleries in Almería served as critical shelters, housing around 40,000 people who sought refuge from the bombings. The vast network of tunnels, spanning approximately 4.5 kilometers, provided vital protection and allowed the city’s residents to safely endure the violent conflicts that unfolded above ground.
Visitors today can explore nearly 1 kilometer of these underground passages, descending up to 16 meters below the surface. The guided tour offers a glimpse into the harrowing experiences of those who took shelter here, with a small hospital and operating room still visible, as well as the artwork left behind by children seeking to brighten their surroundings.
Underground Structure
Approximately 4.5 kilometers of underground galleries exist beneath Almería, with the guided tour covering nearly 1 kilometer of this vast network.
Visitors can descend up to 16 meters underground to explore this historical site. The galleries were constructed during the Spanish Civil War to provide shelter for the local population during bombings, housing around 40,000 people at the time.
Today, the tour allows visitors to step back in time and discover the small hospital with an operating room, as well as the art left by children on the walls, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who took refuge in these underground spaces.
Booking Information
To book this tour, visitors can reserve their spot online without any upfront payment required at the time of booking.
Participants also have the flexibility to cancel their reservation free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
On the day of the tour, guests should arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point – the entrance of the monument next to Manuel Perez Garcia square.
Once there, a local guide will lead the group through the remnants of the Spanish Civil War, including the exploration of 1 kilometer of underground galleries, a small hospital with an operating room, and the discovery of art left by children on the walls.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTour Inclusions
The tour includes a local guide to lead visitors through the remnants of the Spanish Civil War, as well as entrance fees to the underground galleries, small hospital, and other historical sites.
Insurance is also provided as part of the tour package.
Visitors won’t have to worry about transportation, food, or drinks, as those aren’t included in the tour.
However, the tour may not be suitable for everyone, as it’s not accessible for individuals with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, or those using wheelchairs.
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Accessibility Concerns
Given the nature of the underground galleries, the tour may not be suitable for all visitors.
Specifically, individuals with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, or those using wheelchairs may face challenges navigating the narrow and confined spaces. Accessibility is an important consideration for those interested in this historical experience.
The tour involves descending up to 16 meters underground through tight passages and exploring approximately 1 kilometer of the sprawling 4.5-kilometer network of galleries.
This environment could prove difficult for those with physical limitations or who experience anxiety in enclosed spaces.
Visitors should carefully consider their abilities and comfort level before booking this tour to ensure they can fully participate and enjoy the experience.
Customer Feedback
Based on the provided information, it appears that customer reviews for the ‘Visit to the Shelters of the Spanish Civil War’ tour have been generally positive, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 235 reviews.
However, some visitors noted language barriers for non-Spanish speakers and suggested the need for English guides or materials to better facilitate understanding of the historical context and details.
While the tour received high marks for the guide’s expertise and the overall value for money, there were also opinions that the pricing could be adjusted, particularly for local visitors.
Exploring the Galleries
Visitors can explore nearly 1 kilometer of the expansive underground galleries that once sheltered around 40,000 people during the Spanish Civil War bombings.
Descending up to 16 meters below ground, the tour takes explorers through a network of tunnels and chambers.
Along the way, they’ll discover a small hospital with an operating room, as well as walls adorned with art left by children who took refuge here.
The guided experience provides insight into the events and conditions of the Spanish Civil War, transporting visitors back in time through the remnants of this historic underground shelter system.
Though not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia, the tour offers a unique window into Almeria’s storied past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?
Typically, visitors are allowed to take photos and videos during tours, unless explicitly prohibited. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure compliance with any rules or restrictions regarding photography and videography during the experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour, but it may not be suitable for young children. The tour involves navigating narrow underground passages, which could be challenging or uncomfortable for very young visitors.
Is There an Option for a Private or Small Group Tour?
While there is no specific information provided about private or small group tours, many similar historical site tours offer these options. Guests should inquire with the tour provider about availability and pricing for more intimate group experiences.
How Long Does It Take to Explore the Entire 4.5 Kilometer Gallery System?
The full 4.5-kilometer underground gallery system takes significantly longer than the 75-minute guided tour, which covers only about 1 kilometer. Exploring the entire network would require several hours and likely multiple visits.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned in the Tour Details?
The tour details indicate there are no additional fees or costs beyond the tour price, which covers the local guide, entrance to the site, and insurance. Travelers only need to cover their own transportation, food, and drink.
Recap
Enjoy Almería’s profound history by exploring the underground shelters of the Spanish Civil War.
This 75-minute guided tour takes visitors through nearly 1 kilometer of extensive galleries, offering a unique insight into a pivotal moment in Spain’s past.
With an affordable price and engaging content, it’s an educational journey not to be missed.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Almeria
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