Reservoir of Porma, embalse de la provincia de León, España
The Reservoir of Porma is a large body of water in León Province held back by a concrete dam approximately 75 meters tall. It stores over 300 million cubic meters from the Porma River and extends across a wide area surrounded by forested hills and open fields.
The reservoir opened in 1968 as a response to control flooding and improve water management for agriculture and recreation across the region. Its construction required substantial engineering effort, documented in the approximately 345,000 cubic meters of concrete used, with engineer Juan Benet's name commemorated on the dam wall.
The reservoir functions as a hub for water sports where locals and visitors gather for sailing and windsurfing throughout the year. Strong winds have shaped local recreation habits over time, evident in the sailing school and organized events that connect people to the water.
The reservoir is located about 10 kilometers from Boñar and less than 60 kilometers from León city, making it easy to reach by road. Visitors can park nearby, access the water's edge, and try sailing or windsurfing through local rentals or the sailing school, though it is wise to check weather conditions before visiting.
Engineer Juan Benet's name is engraved on the dam wall, honoring his crucial role in its construction and linking the structure to a significant figure in both engineering and literature. This detail often goes unnoticed by visitors but reveals the personal history behind the monumental work.
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