Jándula Reservoir, lake in Andalusia, Spain
The Jándula Reservoir is a large artificial lake created by the La Lancha dam in the Sierra Morena mountains near Andújar. The water spreads across a wide valley surrounded by oak and pine trees, forming a calm surface that reflects the surrounding hills and sky.
Construction began in 1927 and was completed in 1931, with the dam designed by modernist architect Casto Fernández-Shaw to control flooding and generate electricity. The project brought thousands of workers and their families to the area, fundamentally changing the landscape and the region's relationship with water.
The nearby village of La Lancha reveals how workers and their families lived during dam construction, with standing houses, a church, and a school from the early period. These structures tell of a community that arose and faded, shaping how visitors understand this working landscape today.
The reservoir is accessible year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking and exploring the area. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and wear sun protection, as summer sun is intense and shaded areas are limited along the pathways.
A rare fish called bogardilla lives only in this reservoir, marking the unique habitat created by the damming of the river. Black cormorants with bronze-colored plumage are commonly seen diving alongside bass, carp, and barbel that inhabit these waters.
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