Vallvidrera Reservoir, embalse sobre la riera de Vallvidrera, situado en el municipio de Barcelona, provincia de Barcelona, España
The Vallvidrera Reservoir is a water storage system in Barcelona's hills, contained behind a large dam and surrounded by trees and shrubs. The structure demonstrates how water was collected and managed to supply the city and its nearby neighborhoods over many years.
The reservoir was built in 1863 to supply water initially to the small town of Sarria, before eventually serving the entire city. Its construction reflected Barcelona's modernization efforts in the 1800s and how the city worked to balance infrastructure needs with the natural environment.
The name Vallvidrera refers to the Barcelona neighborhood where the reservoir sits, rooted in the area's Catalan heritage. Today, visitors walk quietly along the water's edge and observe wildlife drawn to the shore, especially during early morning hours.
The site is best explored on foot or by bicycle along trails that loop around the water and through the surrounding greenery. Public transportation reaches it easily via the FGC station Baixador de Vallvidrera, just five minutes away on foot.
The Casa del Guarda, a former watchhouse by the dam, was converted into an interpretation center in 2010 where visitors can see old photographs and documents showing how the place has changed over decades. The exhibit offers straightforward explanations about the past and how the reservoir works today.
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