Embalse de Mansilla, lac espagnol
Embalse de Mansilla is a reservoir in the La Rioja region built in 1959, extending along the Najerilla River. The landscape around the water includes forests of oak and holm oak, while the main trail passes through traditional farmland and historic buildings connected to the dam's construction.
The reservoir was built in 1959 to regulate the Najerilla River and provide water for the region, submerging the original village of Mansilla beneath its waters. The flooding displaced local families and transformed the landscape, leaving the old settlement preserved underwater.
The village of Mansilla de la Sierra celebrates traditional festivals such as the Cross of May in May and the Exaltation of the Cross in September, keeping local customs alive. These gatherings connect the community to visitors who come to experience the pace and values of village life.
The best time to visit is September through October, when water levels drop and reveal remains of the old village beneath the surface. The trails are easy to walk and the main route takes between 40 and 60 minutes depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Between September and October when water levels drop, the submerged streets and walls of the original village become visible, offering a rare glimpse into a human-made flooded settlement. This seasonal phenomenon allows visitors to literally step back into history and see the ruins that otherwise remain hidden underwater.
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