Arlanzón Dam, embalse en la provincia de Burgos, España
Arlanzón Dam is a concrete structure spanning the river that creates a large reservoir behind it, holding about 22 million cubic meters of water. Standing just over 47 meters tall with a curved gravity design, it fits into the rolling landscape and serves multiple purposes including drinking water supply and irrigation.
The dam was completed in 1933 and was designed to regulate river flow while supplying water to the city of Burgos and surrounding towns. Recent modernization work has improved its safety and efficiency to ensure it functions reliably for decades to come.
The dam holds practical importance for local communities as it ensures stable water supply and shapes how residents relate to the landscape around them. People use the area for recreation and connect the structure's functional role with their daily enjoyment of nature.
The site is easy to reach on foot with paths for walking and places to sit and rest while viewing the water. Motor-powered boats are not allowed, but visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, and water activities on calm days.
Near the dam sits the Atapuerca archaeological site, one of Spain's most important dig locations where very old human fossils and tools have been found. Visitors can connect human history and nature in one place and see how long people have shaped this landscape.
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