Hidden Gem in the Costa Brava: An abandoned cold war era propaganda radio

in #travel7 years ago

If you enjoy urban exploration and off the beaten path sights, next time you're near Spain's Costa Brava I recommend visiting Radio Liberty. It's a huge compound in Pals that was funded by the CIA and developed by the U.S. armed forces in the 1950s for the purpose of broadcasting pro-American propaganda to the USSR. It operated for over 50 years, until it was closed down in 2005 and the main antennas were demolished. Today, the compound is abandoned and no longer guarded, so getting inside is as easy as walking through a gaping hole in the fence.

Most of the area has been thoroughly looted, but it's still possible to see some artefacts that were left behind. Most of the original murals and buildings are still intact, and it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, there's a complex basement system that is rumoured to connect to a bunker. The coordinates are 41°59'10.8"N 3°12'04.4"E

Here's a documentary where you can see what the installations used to look like, as well as hear a bit more about the history of this enigmatic place


Nowadays the place looks very different, but you'll have to make it out there to see!

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Nice! I think Spain is in my future as it is an affordable yet exotic destination lately from North America. Thanks!