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

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

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Perched high above Umatac Bay, Fort Soledad offers a glimpse into Guam's Spanish colonial past. Built in the early 19th century, this historic site once protected vital trade routes. Today, it provides stunning panoramic views and a tranquil escape.

A brief summary to Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of Umatac Bay.
  • Bring water and wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves some walking on uneven terrain.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as the exposed location can be hot and sunny.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the village of Umatac, follow the road uphill towards the fort. The walk is relatively short but can be steep in some sections. The path is well-maintained. Once you reach the top of the hill, you'll see the fort entrance. There are no entrance fees.

  • Public Transport

    Take the 'Hägatña – Umatac' bus from the bus stop at Route 15 and Route 2. Get off at the Umatac stop. From there, follow the road uphill towards the fort. The walk is relatively short but can be steep in some sections. The path is well-maintained. Once you reach the top of the hill, you'll see the fort entrance. The bus fare is approximately $1.00 per ride.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in Umatac, a taxi to Fort Soledad is a short ride. Taxis are metered in Guam, with a standard flag rate of $2.40, $4.00 for the first mile, and $0.80 every ¼ mile thereafter. Expect to pay around $10 for a taxi from the center of Umatac to the fort.

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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 Umatac Bay on the southwestern coast of Guam. Constructed by the Spanish, likely between 1802 and 1819, it was the last of four fortifications designed to safeguard the anchorage for galleons traversing between Acapulco, Mexico, and the Philippines. This route, critical for trade, fell into disuse after Mexico's independence in 1815. Strategically positioned atop a steep bluff called Chalan Aniti (Path of the Ancestors), the fort offers commanding views of the village, the bay, the rugged coastline, and the southern mountain range. Its elevation, approximately 224 feet above the bay, provided a superior vantage point for defense. The fort's construction aimed to strengthen the defenses of Guam's most prominent Spanish-era bay, which served as a vital supply station for ships crossing the vast Pacific Ocean during the Acapulco-Manila galleon trade (1565–1815). Originally, the fort featured a barbette, a guardroom for officers and troops, and an arsenal storeroom. It mounted seven guns along a barbeta. Over the years, the fort suffered damage from treasure hunters and the heavy bombardment and fighting during the American invasion in the summer of 1944. In 1974, Fort Soledad was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, visitors can explore the ruins, including the iconic sentry structure, and appreciate the breathtaking scenery.

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