A key establishment in the aviation history of Spain and the history of Los Alcázares!

The skies over Los Alcázares may be quiet these days, particularly since the closure to passenger flights of the nearby airport in San Javier, but 100 years ago the town was at the forefront of Spanish aviation pioneering.

In 1916 the first military seaplane base in Spain was opened, and over the following decades this was one of the most important installations of its kind in Europe, both from a military point of view and in the world of aviation.

The base was created in 1915 and was, along with the burgeoning tourism activity, a vital factor in the growth of the town in the early 20^th century as personnel were stationed here and civilian workers migrated to Los Alcázares in order to find employment. It was a strategically important centre during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) and subsequently, but of course in the second half of the century its importance waned and seaplane or hydroplane flights ceased many years ago.

However, the buildings and facilities still remain at the southern edge of the town, and free guided tours are sometimes offered, during which insights can be gained into how the facility worked and the impact it had on the town. Also included are stories about some of Spain’s most important aviators, including Ramón Franco, brother of the man who was Spain’s dictator for decades although he never lived to see it – he lost his life while on a bombing mission during the Civil War, before Francisco Franco emerged the victor in the conflict.

One of these free tours is being held on Saturday December 20 at 10.00, starting at the main entrance to the base, and registration is available online here or by email to cultura@losalcazares.es. Those taking part are asked to arrive at the main entrance of the base 15 minutes beforehand, and the visit is directed at those aged over 12. It usually lasts around 90 minutes.

 

For more local information contact the tourist offices in Los Alcázares or go to the home page of Los Alcázares Today. 

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