Spain is a country not only rich in its gastronomy and history, but also because the age of some of its infrastructure. Some areas keep secrets of high religious and historical value, such as the Christ the Redeemer in Alfambra, and others, such as Alicante, have the oldest and most operational reservoir in Europe. An example of the quality and durability of Spanish constructions which, since 1994, has been an Asset of Cultural Interest, with the category of Monument.
He Tibi Swamp It is located between the Alicante municipalities of Tibi and Jijona. Specifically, it is located on the Monnegre River, especially affected by floods, and was considered the most important dam in Europe in the 16th century. Currently, this impressive construction is still considered the oldest operating swamp on the European continent, occupying 50 hectares which can hold up to 2 cubic hectometers.
Its construction began in 1580 and ended in 1594directed by Juan Bautista Antonelli and Cristóbal de Roda Antonelli under the commission of Felipe II. The idea came from two residents of Mutxamel, Miguel Alcaraz and Pere Izquierdo, whose objective was for it to serve store water from the Monnegre River to use for irrigation and care of the fields of Alicante, which loses 1,000 hectares a year. To do this, they decided to close the swamp with a gravity dam of 46 meters high and 65 meters in length, all with a curved plan.
This reservoir is still operational more than 400 years later thanks to its design
Although it is currently fully operational, its activity stopped in 1697 due to a dam break. The repair did not arrive until 1738, at the hands of Pedro Moreau. After remain disqualified for 40 years. Likewise, in 1941 they decided to add an additional tunnel, with which they could release the water when the river bed was flooding. Since then, the reservoir has continued its activity, belonging to the Alicante Orchard Irrigation Union.
All thanks to its design, ahead of its time, which has not only allowed its durability of more than 400 yearsbut also made it the model that inspired and was copied for the construction of other subsequent hydraulic infrastructures. This design is characterized by a wall nine meters wide and with a curved plan with a radius of 107 meters. This wall was built between two almost vertical limestone rock walls.
The combination of these two factors means that the course of the river bed does not fall over the dam, but rather transfers laterally towards rocks. Something that has guaranteed that it can continue operating despite its age. However, it is not the only historic dam built in Spain. In Albacete there is also the Almansa reservoirconsidered one of the oldest in Europe and the one that has operated uninterruptedly for the longest time.
The Valencian Council of Culture predicts the cessation of its activity “in the not too distant future”
Despite its usefulness for the Huerta de Alicante, and having the category of monumentits state of conservation is not the most optimal. Its capacity has been significantly reduced and its waters are contaminated. According to the Valencian Council of Culture, although the reservoir is still active, “due to the lack of adequate means to properly conserve it, is condemned to a cessation of activity in the not too distant future and, consequently, to a subsequent state of ruin.”
Although, due to its cultural importance and the location in which it is located, continues to receive visitors. Those lovers of hiking or nature who want to see this impressive construction with their own eyes can do different routessuitable for both experts and those who are just starting out or are accompanied by small children. The easiest route begins at the service station of the area and only requires 1.5 kilometers to reach the lower part of the dam.
While those who already have a little more experience can head towards Tibi, where they can begin a route in which they can approach the edge of the swamp and observe the landscape on which it is located. What makes it a different and attractive destination for those who plan to go to Alicante and want to observe the oldest operating swamp in Europe.