Puentes Viejas Reservoir, reservoir in Spain
Puentes Viejas Reservoir is a large water storage facility in the Sierra Norte of Madrid, surrounded by green hills and forests. The water sits calmly in the landscape, creating mirror-like reflections between the forested shores that stretch across the valley.
The facility was built in the early 20th century to secure water supplies for surrounding communities and improve regional water management. During the civil war, the area became a battleground with trenches and fortifications still visible across the hills today.
The reservoir and surrounding villages like Paredes de Buitrago preserve traditional ways of life passed down through generations. Visitors can explore old mills and wander through narrow streets that reflect how communities developed over time.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water if you plan to explore the walking trails that wind through the area at various difficulty levels. Rest spots and picnic areas are located throughout the landscape, making it easy to spend a full day exploring at a relaxed pace.
Visitors can explore trenches and shelters from the civil war still carved into the hillsides, serving as quiet reminders of the region's turbulent past. These fortifications reveal how critical the area was for defending Madrid and offer an unexpected historical layer to a nature visit.
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