THERE’S an attraction in Spain that’s loved by Hollywood – it has its own Western-inspired town and it’s even open to the public.
Oasys (formerly known as Mini Hollywood) can be found in the Tabernas Desert in Almeria, Spain.
oasysparquetematicoOasys has been dubbed a mini Hollywood[/caption]
oasysparquetematicoTabernas Desert in Almeria, the spot was used as a stand-in for the American Wild West[/caption]
After Italian director Sergio Leone discovered the area in the 1960s, he realised it would make the perfect stand-in for the American Wild West.
Over the next two decades, the backdrop was used as a filming location for several Westerns, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars, and For a Few Dollars More, starring Clint Eastwood.
When the consumer demand for Spaghetti westerns ended, the set was transformed into a theme park.
But the Spanish theme park is still loved by Hollywood directors and other filmmakers.
In the 1980s, Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg filmed scenes for Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade at Oasys.
More recently, it has also been used as a filming location for an episode of Doctor Who, and the Netflix series White Lines.
Despite still being used by the film industry, the set is remains open to members of the public.
Oasys is described as a theme park, and it has three main zones, including the West Village, an Aquatic Zone, and a Zoological Park.
In the Western Village, visitors will be able to explore some of the sets and watch two live-action shows each day.
One of the shows includes cowboy fights and a mock bank raid, while a cancan show takes place at the saloon.
There are also several museums onsite including a Cinema Museum and a Carriages Museum.
Other attractions include a Cactus Garden, which is home to more than 250 species of Cactus.
And in the Aquatic Zone, there are two swimming pools, hot tubs, and slides.
In an article in the Culture Trip, José María Rodríguez, the Park’s Manager, explained why visitors should come to the Spanish theme park.
He said: “Because when it comes to cinematic tourism, few places have shot as many films and have as much history as our Western set; all the great Wild West movies were filmed here.”
Holidaymakers have also been raving about the attraction on TripAdvisor, where it’s been awarded 4/5 stars from more than 2,500 ratings.
One person wrote: “The whole site is amazing, if it wasn’t for all the visitors in shorts, T-shirts, and sliders, you could really immerse yourself into thinking you were living in a real Western world.”
Another person added: “This place is truly all value for money, just make sure you get the tickets for the meal option at the entrance because it’s all worth it.”
Someone else said: “We have absolutely enjoyed our stay in Oasys Park. The atmosphere and lots of things to do for kids made our day.”
Entry into the theme park costs €26 (£22.56) for a full-paying adult, while tickets for children cost €17 (£14.75).
Oasys is situated two hours from Malaga in the south of Spain.
Meanwhile, a UK theme park is challenging Disney with a huge new waterpark featuring infinity pools, beach, and water slides.
And, Therme Manchester will be a “next generation” park that will offer guests 25 pools, 35 water slides, thermal bathing, and a well-being spa.
oasysparquetematicoDespite still being used by the film industry, the set is still open to members of the public[/caption]
oasysparquetematicoWhen the consumer demand for Spaghetti westerns ended, the set was transformed into a theme park[/caption]