Historical Route at Castillo de Guardias Viejas: A Journey Through History in El Ejido

Explore the Castillo de Guardias Viejas and the coastal history of El Ejido through guided tours that reveal the rich defensive past of the province of Almería.

The province of Almería guards true treasures along its coastline, and one of the most interesting ways to discover them is through the Historical Route promoted by the city of El Ejido. This circuit allows residents and visitors to explore historical fortifications that were crucial for defending the Mediterranean coast, offering a cultural experience that combines military architecture with privileged views of the sea.

What to Expect

The proposal of this route is to provide a journey back in time through heritage elements located in the coastal areas of Guardias Viejas and Balerma. The main highlight is the Castillo de Guardias Viejas, which began around 1769. The site offers visitors the opportunity to learn about a collection of preserved historical uniforms inside and enjoy panoramic views from its terrace.

In addition to the main fortress, the cultural route includes points of interest that make up the historical context of the region:

• The Wim Kuipers Route, which surrounds the monument.
• The iconic Balerma Tower.
• The remains of the old Castillo de Malerba, located in Balerma.

The initiative is conducted under the supervision of the local culture delegation, focusing on valuing the historical heritage that makes up the identity of El Ejido during the summer period.

Practical Information

Activities take place during the summer season. For updated information about specific operating hours and scheduling guided tours, it is recommended to consult El Ejido Tourism or the official portal of the Ayuntamiento de El Ejido.

For technical inquiries about the state of the monument or heritage issues, you can contact the Digital Guide IAPH. Administrative assistance from the Andalusian Institute for Historical Heritage usually occurs Monday through Friday, on weekdays, from 09:30 to 14:30.

Location of the monument:

How to Get There

To reach Castillo de Guardias Viejas, there are several options:

• Public Transport: The nearest bus stop is "Guardias Viejas - Baños". You can check details of lines and schedules through Moovit.
• By Car: If driving, a common route is to take exit 409 from the Autovía del Mediterráneo in the direction of El Ejido/Almerimar. Upon reaching Almerimar, simply follow the coastal road until you reach Guardias Viejas. The monument is well-signposted with signs along the way.

Extra Tip

The history of this location is marked by conflicts. It's interesting to know that the current structure is largely a result of reconstruction dated 1817. The original castle was destroyed during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814) by British forces, with the strategic aim of preventing French troops from using the fortress. When visiting, pay attention to architectural details that survived these episodes.

Sources

• Ayuntamiento de El Ejido
• El Ejido Tourism
• Digital Guide IAPH
• Moovit
• Diario de Almería