The ruins of the Gordejuela Water Pumping Station, perched dramatically on the cliffs in the north of Tenerife, has earned it the top spot on a global ranking of the most beautiful abandoned places in the world.
The travel portal Civitatis recently published a list featuring the eight most stunning ruins worldwide, and this historic structure from 1903, nestled in the protected landscape of the Rambla de Castro, was declared the most beautiful.
Once a symbol of technological progress, the Gordejuela Water Pumping Station housed the first steam engine in Tenerife, and was built to pump groundwater for agricultural irrigation, a groundbreaking innovation for its time.
However, the building's utility was short-lived, as it ceased operation when agricultural exports declined. Despite its decay, the buildings remnants, designed by military engineer José Galván Balaguer, stand resilient, symbolising the blend of decay and beauty that captivates visitors.
The Gordejuela Water Pumping Station sits amidst the stunning natural landscape of Los Realejos on the north coast of Tenerife. The Rambla de Castro, where the ruins are located, is known for its rich biodiversity, with Canary Island palm trees, dragon trees, and numerous bird species like the common kestrel and the shearwater.
Visitors to this area can enjoy not only these ruins but also other historical treasures. A walking route takes you past the Hacienda de Castro, the San Fernando fort, and the San Pedro chapel, which houses a valuable Baroque sculpture of the apostle.
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.
The Civitatis ranking includes other noteworthy abandoned locations, such as the ruins of Belchite in Zaragoza, Spain, a haunting reminder of the Spanish Civil War, and the village of Granadilla in Cáceres, featured in Pedro Almodóvar's film Átame.
The list continues with Bannerman Castle in New York, Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse in Denmark, the Kolmannskop ghost town in Namibia, an abandoned locomotive in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, and the ghost town of Bannack in Montana.
These places, like Gordejuela, stand as testaments 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.
