Springs, wells, irrigation infrastructures and old bridges are all elements of a heritage that brings character and identity to the Somontano territory. All related to the use of water and the water cycle, each one of these small structures plays its role modestly and has made its own individual ethnographic contribution; yet each gains added value when perceived as part of a group of similar structures. The region is home to many constructions that together make up a coherent collection and give personality to the rural landscape while harmoniously blending in with the environment.

In years gone by, bridges, drinking troughs and washing areas fell out of use. Bridges were no longer crossed and underground springs became less important and were soon forgotten. Many of these structures have since been restored to their original state to be enjoyed as part of the natural and cultural heritage of Somontano. With their recovery, memories of water pitchers, public springs and communal washing areas have been reclaimed, reminding us of life in the not too distant past. 

The steep mountain slopes and dramatic canyons of the northern reaches of Somontano made agriculture difficult in this area and also prevented the growth of large villages. As a consequence the rural environment is sparsely populated and villages are scattered across a wide area.

Although rivers created an obstacle to communication, the building of bridges was not commonplace in the past. They were only built in dangerous areas or across rivers with particularly strong flowing water.

Sometimes, as is the case here, the presence of a bridge was associated with a mill as crossing the river with horses laden down with cereals presented a huge risk and required some measure of safety. The Las Almunias mill is located downstream.

The River Alcanadre is the largest in Somontano and has a large number of ridges. In fact its name is derived from the Arabic word al-qanatir the plural of al-cantara, meaning bridge.

The art of constructing bridges has remained pretty much the same for more than 2,000 years. Stone and wood were used in a similar way in Napoleonic times as they were in the era of Julius Cesar, and as a result it isn’t always easy to find out when they were constructed. The scarcity of documented records makes it necessary to concentrate on aspects such as the shape of the voussoirs, the type of span used or the width of the deck, in order to work out the approximate era of their construction.

This is a medieval bridge. During that era the bridges were narrow as the paths that crossed them were also narrow. The side profiles of the deck form a “donkey’s back” shape, a typical characteristic of medieval bridges, affording them a slender silhouette. During later centuries, the deck of the bridge would be made flatter and wider to facilitate the growing use of carts and carriages.

For many centuries, the arch was the distinctive element of bridges as it was the best structural system for spanning large spaces. This bridge has only one span or semi-circular arch but is relatively wide.

Communication between the villages in the Rodellar Valley has been possible over the centuries due to an extensive network of paths bordered by dry stone walls, which stopped livestock from eating the crops.

To overcome obstacles such as a river, bridges were built where possible (such as the Cabras and Pedruel bridges) but sometimes stepping stones were enough. Huge stones placed in the water allowed people to cross without getting wet.

In addition to the placing of tree trunks across a channel, stepping stones are the oldest and simplest system used by man since pre-historic times. The ford of Pedruel can be crossed on foot thanks to these large stones.

The supply of materials between villages or the need to take cereal to the nearby flour mill required the use of pack animals due to the heavy loads. Donkeys and mules also passed across these stepping stones.

However, after heavy storms the traffic was often interrupted as the rocks were easily carried away by sudden surges in water. Time and time again, after each flood, locals and travellers alike would make a huge effort to replace the stones to recover the crossing.

In this part of Somontano where surface springs are scarce, a widespread method was used to guarantee the collection of water. This involved the excavation of a well from the rock in a way that created various galleries, which could be accessed with a partly covered, vaulted staircase.

All the wells in the area have a similar structure; a stretch of uncovered staircase followed by a covered section, leading to the underground chamber that held the water. However, as this well was carved entirely from the rock, it is a little rough in appearance. However, the coarseness of its execution and the irregularity of the vaulted ceiling make it stand out from other constructions of its type and afford it certain charm.

Its origins are uncertain; it possibly dates back to Moorish times or even before and was used for centuries until running water eventually arrived in local houses.

To reach the water underground, great emphasis was placed on the ease of access to make it easier for women as they carried out this obligatory daily chore.

Above the well became a social area of sorts, and while full pitchers rested the specially carved holes of a ledge, young men and women would meet up; the beginning of many courtships.

The nearby village of Laluenga is home to one of the biggest wells to be built in Somontano. As a result, the Spring Well Visitor Centre is located there; a small space where the visitor can discover the key to understanding and valuing these unique elements of our architecture. There are wells across the territory in Lagunarrota, Monesma de San Juan and Laperdiguera.