As Pontes de García Rodríguez, municipality of Spain
As Pontes de García Rodríguez is a municipality in Galicia with a varied landscape of mountains, forests, and the Eume river flowing through the region. The old town holds traditional houses, a church, and a paved path along the river, while a large artificial lake formed from a former coal mine attracts visitors with its turquoise water.
The place became significant in the 14th century under García Rodríguez de Valcárcel, who built several bridges creating an important crossing over the river. The municipality later developed through 20th-century coal mining and a major thermal power plant, which shaped economic changes and growth of working communities.
The town's name comes from García Rodríguez de Valcárcel, a 14th-century knight who built several bridges across the Eume river. The old town still displays this medieval past through traditional houses and ancient bridge structures that locals and visitors cross regularly.
The old town is easily walkable with paved paths along the river for relaxed strolls. The lake has a designated beach with good accessibility and a waterfront path suitable for both walking and cycling.
The artificial lake was created by flooding a former coal mine and now hosts about 180 bird species and other wildlife living in the protected natural areas created. This transformation shows how an industrial site was successfully converted into a nature reserve.
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