Church of Sant Romà, 11th-century Romanesque church ruins in Vilanova de Sau, Spain.
Sant Romà is an 11th-century Romanesque church now partially submerged in the Sau Reservoir near Vilanova de Sau. The bell tower emerges above the waterline during periods of lower water levels, revealing the stone structure beneath.
The church was consecrated in 1062 and served its community for 900 years until the Sau Reservoir was built. The dam's construction in 1962 forced the evacuation and relocation of the entire village, leaving the church submerged.
The church marks a turning point in the lives of local people whose community was submerged beneath the reservoir. Its tower rising above water serves as a visible reminder of the village that once thrived in this valley.
The church is most visible when water levels drop during dry periods throughout the year. Access is limited by protective fencing, so viewing is best done from designated observation points at a distance.
The submerged structure holds a special distinction as one of the oldest religious buildings to rest permanently underwater in Europe. It typically sits about 23 meters below the surface, making it a remarkable sight for divers.
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