Alberca Rota y Pozos Altos, Archaeological water reservoir in Granada, Spain.
Alberca Rota y Pozos Altos is an archaeological water storage site on Cerro del Sol with two deep wells and a large basin integrated into a complex hydraulic system. The brick construction of the better-preserved well shows the technical execution, while the western well remains filled with earth from past collapses.
The site was built during the Nasrid period, likely between 1350 and 1455, as a key water supply structure. It delivered water to palaces and estates near the Generalife and was part of the sophisticated irrigation systems of that era.
The water system shows medieval Spanish engineering methods, with wells equipped with water wheels to lift water from channels to the surface. These structures shaped how the region managed water and reflect the practical knowledge of that era.
Visitors can examine the preserved brick construction of one well, though access may be limited depending on excavation conditions at the site. Comfortable shoes and water are advisable, as the location sits on a hill where sun exposure can be intense.
The site contains underground qanats that connected to the Acequia Real, forming part of Granada's largest medieval hydraulic network. These hidden channels played a central role in distributing water across long distances without visible above-ground structures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
