The Gordejuela Water Pumping Station has been praised for its beauty at the edge of a cliff in the north of Tenerife, and has been hailed as one of the most beautiful building ruins in the world
A little-known building in the Canary Islands is among the most beautiful world ruins.
The Gordejuela Water Pumping Station sits on the edge of the cliffs and is located in the north of Tenerife. Itt has been lauded for being one of the top abandoned places in the world.
Civitatis, a travel portal, listed eight ruins in its prolific buildings. This historic site dates back to 1903 and is part of the the protected area of the Rambla de Castro and was dubbed ‘the most beautiful’ of sites.
The ruin was a symbol of the progress of technology and also housed the first steam engine in Tenerife. Then it was created to pump groundwater for agricultural irrigation, a groundbreaking innovation for its time.
But its initial use was short-lived and it stopped being operational when agricultural exports declined. Its decaying remains, which were designed by military engineer José Galván Balaguer, still look resilient and are a heady mixture of decay and beauty, which captivates those who visit the area.
The Pumping Station ruins are located among the natural landscape of Los Realejos on the north coast of the island. And the area of Rambla de Castro, has rich biodiversity with palm trees, dragon trees, and numerous bird species such as common kestrel and the shearwater which visit the Canary Islands.
Other historical treasures can also be enjoyed in the areas. And a nearby walk passes attractions such as the Hacienda de Castro, the San Fernando fort, and the San Pedro chapel. Inside the chapel, a valuable Baroque sculpture of the apostle, can be found for those keen to explore.
The San Fernando fort, built in the late 18th century, was originally constructed to protect the coast from pirate attacks, including those led by the infamous pirate Cabeza de Perro. The fort still preserves three of its original five cannons.
Other sites in the Civitas rankings include more abandoned locations, such as the ruins of Belchite in Zaragoza, Spain. This area is described as a “haunting reminder” of the Spanish Civil War. The village of Granadilla in Cáceres, was also seen in Pedro Almodóvar’s film Átame.
Other listings in the world rankings include the Bannerman Castle in New York, Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse in Denmark and the ghost town of Kolmannskop in Namibia. A locomotive which has been abandoned in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia also makes the fascinating array of locations which also include the abandoned town of Bannack in Montana.
Canarian Weekly says the site deserves to be included along with other locations across the world. It says: “Gordejuela is testament to both the past and the delicate balance between beauty and abandonment. Each tells its own story, attracting visitors drawn to their unique blend of history and natural beauty.”
