Bárcena Reservoir, embalse de la provincia de León, España
The Bárcena Reservoir is a large body of water held behind a concrete dam on the Sil river in León Province. It stretches roughly 166 meters in length and is surrounded by rolling green hills and forests that slope down to the water's edge.
The dam was constructed between the late 1950s and 1960 to generate electricity for the region. Its completion submerged two nearby villages, Bárcena del Río and Posada del Río, forcing residents to relocate to new settlements.
The reservoir has become a gathering place for locals and visitors seeking outdoor recreation along the water. You can observe people fishing, swimming, and enjoying the shoreline throughout the year.
Access to the reservoir is straightforward, and parking is available near the main areas. The site is easily reached from Ponferrada, making it convenient for day trips or longer stays during warmer months.
When water levels drop, the remains of submerged villages become visible, including a structure called the Congosto bridge that may have ancient origins. A black granite plaque at the entrance marks the official opening by Spain's leader in 1961, preserving a piece of the area's political history.
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