Fuerte de la Galea, 18th century military fort in Getxo, Spain
Fuerte de la Galea is an 18th-century coastal fort located on cliffs at the mouth of the Nervión River in Getxo. The structure includes thick stone walls, fourteen cannon openings, a central barracks, powder magazines, and a defensive moat designed to protect the harbor entrance.
Colonel Jaime Sycre designed the fort in 1742 during a period when coastal defenses were being strengthened against maritime threats. It became an important installation for securing the river mouth and protecting trade routes in the region.
The fort served as a symbol of protection for the local population and shaped how people viewed their coastal waters for centuries. Today, its presence still defines the character of this stretch of coastline as a place connected to maritime defense and community resilience.
The fort is best reached by walking the stone-paved Paseo de La Galea, a scenic path that runs along the cliffs with water views. This promenade connects the site to nearby attractions and offers several spots to rest and take in the surroundings.
The fort once housed the first lighthouse in Biscay, built in 1782 and powered by turnip oil, an unusual fuel source for guiding ships. This early lighting system reflects the ingenuity used to adapt available resources for maritime safety at that time.
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