Spanish Civil War 1936–1939
Sierra de Espadán – Las Tetas & La Ràpita positions
Alcudia de Veo · Trenches & fortifications
The story
On the eastern part of the Línea XYZ, García Valiño's corps tried to break through the Sierra de Espadán via the Veo valley and seize the heights of La Ràpita and Espadà, which anchored the Republican line. After bombardment from 10 July 1938, the Nationalists took one of the two 'Tetas' summits on 18 July. Heavy fighting on 19 and 23 July failed to take the main ridge. The 1st Navarrese Division, left exposed on the captured hill, fortified it with bunkers and concrete walls. Both sides' works survive on the mountain.
What you can see today
Stepped parapets with loopholes, bunkers, trenches cut into the rock on La Ràpita's north-east slope, and stone sniper posts near the 1,106 m summit, with wide views over the Espadán.
Plan your visit
Official circular route 'Las Tetas i la Ràpita': 10 km, 702 m ascent, about 3½ h, with a demanding first half. It starts from the Alcudia de Veo / Algimia de Almonacid area. For experienced walkers only.
Sources
Nearby sites
- Línea XYZ – La Muela & La Vegatilla trenches, Jérica · 16 km
- Línea XYZ at Viver – Morredondo, Cerro Cruz & El Ragudo bunkers · 18 km
- Refugio antiaéreo de la Plaza Tetuán, Castelló de la Plana · 31 km
- Paredón de España (El Terrer), Paterna · 46 km
- Refugio de la calle Serranos, Valencia · 49 km
- Palau de Benicarló (seat of the Republican government) · 49 km
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The Spanish Civil War 1936–1939
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