El Atazar Dam

El Atazar is an arch dam that crosses the Lozoya River and stores water for the Madrid region. Its concrete structure forms a curved shape that stretches between the riverbanks.

Construction started in 1968 and finished in 1972, marking progress in Spanish water infrastructure. The project emerged from Madrid's growing need for reliable water resources.

The dam represents an engineering achievement that transformed water management practices in the Madrid metropolitan region through its reservoir system.

Visitors can explore the site during daylight and see both sides of the dam and the reservoir basin. The location has open viewpoints from which the entire structure is visible.

The double-curved arch shape of the dam required repairs in 1979 after a large crack formed in its structure. These damages show the extreme forces that act on such constructions.

Location: Community of Madrid

Elevation above the sea: 870 m

GPS coordinates: 40.91184,-3.47333

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45