The Mediano Reservoir is both a defining feature of the landscape and part of the town’s history: in 1969, it submerged the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Those considering a stay in Mediano can therefore explore both the body of water and the traces of the former village.
The Mediano Reservoir in numbers
The reservoir covers an area of 1,740 hectares and has a volume of 436 cubic hectometres. These figures describe two different measurements: the area indicates the extent of the lake, while the volume indicates the amount of water it holds. This helps put the scale of the body of water into perspective without confusing the two figures.
The lake is also key to understanding the town’s history. In 1969, it flooded most of Mediano’s town centre. The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was then below the water level—a historical connection linking the town’s architectural history with the reservoir.
The church and the vanished town centre
For several centuries, the church served as the parish church of the former municipality of Mediano. Religious services and ceremonies were held there. Its former role therefore tells the story not only of a building, but also of the community’s religious life before the flooding.
The church’s architectural history includes the tower and two sections of the nave, which are spanned by rib vaults. They were built around 1550. This dating places these architectural features in the mid-16th century and gives the church’s history a specific time frame.
The flooding of most of the town centre and the history of the parish church are connected, but they answer different questions: the year 1969 marks the transformation of the landscape, while the church’s former use and architectural features tell the story of the community and its church.
The esconjuradero and other historic sites
The Esconjuradero de Mediano is part of Mediano’s historic ensemble. In the past, this building was regularly used for rituals intended to ward off storms, epidemics and evil spirits. These rituals should be understood as a historical practice, not as a current offering.
The esconjuradero is also linked to the reservoir’s water level: it lies underwater and is visible only when the water level is very low. This is an important difference from the church’s history. While the church’s submergence was part of the 1969 flooding, the visibility of the esconjuradero depends on the water level at any given time.
The Puente del Diablo is near Mediano, beside the dam. It adds another specific site to the area’s historical attractions. Those interested in architecture can therefore consider the church, the esconjuradero and the bridge as distinct stops in the history of the town and its surroundings, without treating them as a single ensemble.
Routes and experiences on the water
The A-138 road runs through Mediano. The route from AĂnsa via Mediano to Almazorre is estimated to take around 30 minutes. This is an approximate duration and may vary, so do not plan around an exact journey time.
A guided kayak route on the reservoir is also described. When the tour is available, it passes the church’s bell tower, which rises above the water, and includes an interpretation of the natural surroundings. Check whether the tour is available during your visit before making plans.
Each subject offers a different focus: the church represents the community’s former life and the flooding, while the esconjuradero represents historical protective rituals and visibility that depends on the water level. If offered, the kayak route combines views of the bell tower with an interpretation of the natural surroundings. This can help you decide when planning your trip whether local history, architecture or a guided experience on the water is of particular interest to you.
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