Puentes Viejas Reservoir, reservoir in Spain
Puentes Viejas Reservoir is a water reservoir in the northern part of the Community of Madrid, set among the hills of the Sierra Norte. It is fed by the Lozoya River and surrounded by wooded slopes that reach down to the water's edge.
The reservoir was built in the early 20th century to secure water supplies for communities in and around Madrid. During the Spanish Civil War, the surrounding hills were contested ground and defense works were dug across the slopes, some of which are still visible today.
The name of the reservoir refers to old bridges that once crossed the valley and now lie beneath the water. Along the shores, small villages remain where the rural life of the Sierra Norte is still part of everyday reality.
The trails around the reservoir vary in difficulty, so it is worth checking the route before setting out. Comfortable shoes and enough water are a good idea, especially in summer when the heat can build up quickly.
When the water level drops significantly, the foundations of old bridges and structures that were flooded when the reservoir was built emerge from the surface. This is a direct reminder that an entire valley was submerged beneath the water.
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