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The abundance of old water tanks in the area around Castejón del Puente indicates the ancestral necessity of man to store water in places were it was difficult to access.

The La Bella tank is located close to the chapel. It is rectangular in shape and made from huge ashlars. The channels carved from the rock carry rain water down into the tank and locals say that the 2 metre-deep structure is often full to the brim after storms.

To prevent animals and people falling into its depths, it is surrounded by a wall. Stairs made from immense blocks of sandstone allowed villagers to reach the water to fill their pitchers, an occurrence that continued until just a few years ago.

 

  • Castejon del Punete. Aljibe de la Bella 2
  • Castejon del Punete. Aljibe de la Bella

 

The construction of this huge reservoir and that of the El Grado dam (1969) marked an important change in both the landscape and lifestyle of the village.

It covers a total area of 1,273 hectares and holds 400 Hm3 of water. It is part of the extensive irrigation system of the Alto Aragon region as the Cinca canal originates here. It also has a hydro-electric element thanks to the water that pours over the large dam.

The reservoir offers the visitor an unforgettable spectacle; the size and setting are dramatic and the blue of the sky is perfectly reflected in the deep blue surface of the water. The top of the dam is an excellent place to take in views of the reservoir; the unmistakable Torreciudad shrine set against the background of the Pyrenees and the Cinca valley with its characteristic riverside vegetation. In addition, patient observers will see trout and other fish jumping from the water.

A number of competitions related to sub-aquatic orientation are traditionally held in the El Grado dam, as organised by the Aragonese Federation of Sub-Aquatic Activities (FARAS.) Over the last few years, it is also been one of the venues to carry out the sub-aquatic manoeuvres of the Section of Amphibious Activities (SAA) and the Pontoon Regiment of Monzalbarba (Zaragoza.) 

Visits:

Mail: [email protected]

Teléfono: 976 711 045

 

  • El Grado. Embalse 2
  • El Grado. Embalse 3
  • El Grado. Embalse 4
  • El Grado. Embalse

 

The traditional fountains of Somontano were built in a style that was popular in the 16th century. The design proved so successful that it was used for hundreds of years with little change, right up until the 19th century.

The construction was designed to meet a number of needs; the central piece was the main fountain built for human use; a channel distributed the precious water to various spouts and a little further away there was the washing area. On some occasions, water was stored in reservoirs to be used in mills and factories. A series of irrigation ditches used for watering crops in nearby fields and allotments was the final addition to the system.

Almost all of the fountains in Somontano follow the same model. The structures are always crowned with a cornice whose design is simple, yet the geometric simplicity and careful creation contributes greatly to their beauty. Very few display ornate decoration; however the fountain of Abiego boasts carved masks from which the water spouts, imitating more cultured models.

 

  • Fuente-Publica-BANNER

 

The fountain lies near to the vegetable gardens and village allotments. It stands on the site of the most important spring in the area providing more than 60 litres of water per second. The water maintains a temperature of 15-16ºC throughout the year.

The water is brought to the surface by means of a 35 metre tunnel excavated from the rock. It is used to water the vegetable gardens in the immediate vicinity and, by means of underground irrigation channels, also carries water to olive groves, orchards and vineyards.

The fountain dates to 1735 as can be seen from the date etched on its façade and was one of the biggest to be constructed in the Somontano region. In addition to moulded pilasters, capitals with rosettes, chunky leaves and scrolls, it also boasts twelve lions’ heads that open up into water spouts. This style denotes a significant knowledge of classicism on the part of the stone masons.

Due to its structure and decoration it is more representative of an ornamental model of fountain rather than the traditional and more functional style. These were built with a decorative and symbolic function in villages and towns, representing the pride of a society and of the municipal authorities who built them. The patronage of this model is reflected in the coat of arms that crowns the structure, leaving no doubt who was responsible for bringing water and prosperity to the villagers.

 

  • Estadilla. Fuente de los doce caños 2
  • Estadilla. Fuente de los doce caños 3
  • Estadilla. Fuente de los doce caños 4
  • Estadilla. Fuente de los doce caños