Reservoir of Ruesga, embalse en la provincia de Palencia, España
The Reservoir of Ruesga is a dam-created body of water in Palencia Province held back by a curved concrete structure. Fed by the Rivera river, it forms a calm water surface surrounded by wooded slopes and meadows, with a storage capacity of roughly ten million cubic meters.
Construction began in 1914 and the dam started operating in 1923, making it the first government reservoir project in the Duero basin. It was created to supply water to the Canal de Castilla and manage the region's water flow for irrigation and other needs.
The reservoir is closely tied to the Canal de Castilla, a historic irrigation canal that shaped the region's development. Visitors can see how local communities have managed water resources for farming and daily life, a practice that remains central to how people live here today.
Access is straightforward and visitors can swim, paddle, or kayak since motorized boats are not allowed. Camping areas, grilling facilities, and showers are available nearby, and the nearby Parador Nacional de Fuentes Carrionas offers lodging with views of surrounding mountains.
The reservoir allows naturist bathing in secluded areas of its shores, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking undisturbed nature. This unusual feature attracts visitors seeking a specific kind of experience in a quiet, remote setting.
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