The abandoned explosives factory of the Spanish Crown

The abandoned explosives factory of the Spanish Crown in Jimena de la Frontera still bears the remnants of a past that was once critical to Europe’s history. Built in the 18th century, the factory was part of a series of artillery factories commissioned by the Spanish Crown to support their worldwide empire. The construction of the factory was led by Eduardo Boyetet, who presented the proposal to King Carlos III in 1761. Nearby, a mine of iron was found near San Pablo de Buceite that provided the necessary raw materials for the production.

The factory was fueled by wood from the local forests and water from a canal. The canal, approximately 600 meters long and 4 meters wide, reached a depth of 5 meters. Constructed with rough stonework, it went into operation in April 1780, coinciding with the siege of Gibraltar. The production at the factory did not prosper until 1777 and was simultaneously abandoned in 1788. The factory was built to supply the Indies, but a large part of its production was destined for Gibraltar during its siege.

The remains of the factory are located alongside the river Guadiaro, with the most significant remains found near the river Hozgarganta in La Pasada de Alcalá.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons