Ribarroja Reservoir, reservoir in Spain
Ribarroja Reservoir is a large water storage on the Ebro River between Aragon and Catalonia, stretching for many kilometers across the landscape. A concrete dam holds back the water to supply drinking water to nearby towns, irrigate farmland, and generate electricity through a hydroelectric plant.
Construction of the reservoir began in 1958 and was completed in 1967, causing several old settlements including parts of Mequinenza to be submerged beneath the water. The area was a major battleground during the Spanish Civil War, and the church of Berrús was moved stone by stone before the land was flooded.
The reservoir carries the name of the nearby town Riba-roja d'Ebre and represents how water management shaped local identity. Today it serves as a gathering place for fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on its waters for recreation and livelihood.
The area offers camping sites, picnic spots, and boat rentals for visitors to enjoy. The reservoir is accessible for fishing, canoeing, and walking along the banks, with trails available for hikers and cyclists exploring the surrounding landscape.
The bell tower of the submerged village of Fayón occasionally emerges from the water during summer months, serving as a haunting reminder of the communities that were flooded to create the reservoir. This visible remnant tells the story of how the landscape was transformed for water management.
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