Embalse de Buseo, reservoir in Spain
Embalse de Buseo is a reservoir near Chera in Valencia that was created by damming the Reatillo River in a narrow gorge. The stone dam stands 40 meters high and stretches about 146 meters across, built between 1903 and 1915 to store water for irrigation across a basin of roughly 221 square kilometers. Today the water surface covers approximately 58 hectares, with pine trees lining the shores and various facilities including camping areas, picnic spots, and access points for visitors. The surrounding landscape features rocky walls and calm water that reflect the sky and clouds.
The reservoir was built between 1903 and 1915 as the largest in the Valencia region at the time, designed by engineer Enrique González Granda to control river flooding and supply irrigation water for local agriculture. Its construction was a major engineering achievement requiring over 38,000 cubic meters of stone masonry. It remained the largest reservoir in Valencia until 1952 when the Benagéber dam was completed nearby, marking a shift from its role as the region's primary water storage facility.
Access to the reservoir is via small local roads and walking paths that allow visitors to explore the shoreline and surrounding areas at a gentle pace. The site has picnic tables, barbecue spots, drinking water, toilet facilities, and a small dock, with camping available by prior arrangement through local authorities. Weekdays and quieter seasons tend to offer the most peaceful experience without crowding.
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