Riaño, Mountain municipality in León Province, Spain
Riaño is a mountain municipality in León Province situated at 1,130 meters elevation near the Picos de Europa range. The village occupies a new location after being relocated due to dam construction that flooded the original settlement.
The original village was flooded in the 1980s when a dam was constructed in the valley. Residents relocated to higher ground where they rebuilt their community from the ground up.
The relocated church of San Martín and the preserved granaries on Cimadevilla Square reflect the community's deep connection to farming and faith. These structures shape the character of the village and show how locals maintain ties to their heritage.
The location sits at the border where three regions meet, making it a useful base for mountain exploration in this area. The high elevation means weather can be cool, so bring layers and appropriate mountain gear.
Seven complete villages and parts of two others now rest underwater in the reservoir, submerged when the valley was flooded. On clear days, visitors can sometimes see remnants of the old landscape beneath the water's surface.
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