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Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad: A Sentinal Over Umatac Bay

Explore Guam's Spanish colonial past at Fort Soledad, offering panoramic views of Umatac Bay and a glimpse into the island's rich history.

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Fort Soledad, perched high above Umatac Bay in Guam, offers a glimpse into the island's Spanish colonial past. Built in the early 19th century, this historic site provided a strategic vantage point for protecting the vital Acapulco-Manila galleon trade route. Today, its ruins offer stunning panoramic views and a peaceful escape.

A brief summary to Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and the best lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground and climbing to reach the best viewpoints.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities at the fort.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Umatac village to explore more of Guam's history and culture.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Hagåtña, head south on Route 4. Continue on Route 4 until you reach Umatac. As you approach Umatac, look for signs directing you to Fort Soledad. Turn onto Soledad Drive, which leads to the fort. There is a parking area near the fort's entrance. Parking is free.

  • Public Transportation

    From Hagåtña, take the Guam Mass Transit Authority (GMTA) bus to Umatac. Confirm that the bus goes to Humåtak with the bus driver. From the bus stop in Umatac, walk south along Route 2. Then, turn up Soledad Drive to reach the fort, approximately a 20-minute walk. Bus fare is approximately $3 per ride.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are available from major hotels and shopping centers in Guam. Request a ride to Fort Soledad in Umatac. The taxi fare from Tumon to Fort Soledad is estimated to be $50-$60. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip.

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Discover more about Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, also known as Fort Soledad, stands as a silent sentinel overlooking the picturesque Umatac Bay in Guam. Constructed by the Spanish between 1802 and 1819, it was the last of four fortifications built to safeguard this important anchorage. During the era of the Acapulco-Manila galleon trade (1565-1815), Umatac Bay served as a crucial resupply point for ships traversing the vast Pacific Ocean. Perched atop a steep bluff called Chalan Aniti, meaning "Path of the Ancestors," the fort offered a commanding view of the bay, the rugged coastline, and the southern mountain range. Its strategic location allowed the Spanish to protect their interests from pirates and rival European powers. The fort was constructed using mampostería, a traditional Spanish building technique using stone rubble and mortar. It featured a barbette for mounting seven guns, quarters for soldiers, and an arsenal storeroom. While the fort was only actively used for a few years, it played a significant role in Guam's history. After 1815, with Mexican independence, the galleon trade route declined, and the fort was eventually abandoned. Over time, the fort suffered damage from weather, treasure hunters, and World War II. In 1974, Fort Soledad was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the Government of Guam protects the site as a public park. Visitors can explore the ruins, imagine the lives of the soldiers who once stood guard, and soak in the breathtaking views of Umatac Bay and the Philippine Sea.

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