El Bocal

El Bocal is a water management site in Fontellas featuring a dam as part of an irrigation system. The grounds include a palace building with brick and stone details, plus gardens with ponds and a neoclassical church nearby.

The site began in the 1500s when the king ordered the building of water control structures to supply the canal. Additional construction happened over following centuries as irrigation needs expanded and water management became more complex.

The palace served as the canal administrator's residence and shows how water management was central to life here. The building itself reflects this purpose through its strategic location and sturdy construction designed to oversee the flow of the canal system.

The grounds are accessible for walking around the dam, gardens, and buildings. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain varies, and plan time to see both the water structures and the palace area.

Different building phases are visible in the construction methods, showing how engineers improved techniques over time. The older sections reveal earlier craftsmanship and materials, while later additions represent changes in how water infrastructure was built.

Location: Fontellas

GPS coordinates: 42.01833,-1.55556

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24