Villameca Reservoir, embalse de la provincia de León, España
Villameca Reservoir is a large body of water in León Province surrounded by green fields and forests, with a calm surface that stretches across the landscape. It is fed by two rivers, including water supplied through an underground tunnel approximately 1500 meters long that channels flow from the Valdesamario system.
The reservoir was constructed in 1946 to store water for nearby farms and towns while controlling river flow. Its creation resulted in flooding the village of Oliegos, whose residents were relocated, fundamentally altering the region's landscape and local communities.
The reservoir is where local families gather on weekends for picnics, swimming, and relaxation near the water. It serves as a quiet refuge where people connect with nature and maintain traditions of outdoor leisure in the rural community.
Parking is available near the main access points with rest areas featuring tables and benches throughout the site. The marked trails are mostly flat and easy to walk, though a local map or guide is helpful for navigation in some sections.
The submerged village of Oliegos becomes visible when water levels drop during dry periods, revealing stone house walls and old street remains from the flooded settlement. These remnants tell the story of a community displaced by the reservoir project.
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