PROSERPINA - A ROMAN WATER RESERVOIR NEAR MERIDA

modernistic chapel in the pine woods

The embalse or reservoir is about 5 km from Mérida. Originally it was built at the site of a natural lake, the Romans captured the water from two streams and built a long stone dam to create the reservoir which we see today. A dedication stone with an exhortation to the godess Proseprina was found at the lake in the 18th century confirming the original Roman name for the reservoir.
It is a short detour on the way into Merida from Finca al-manzil, well sign posted.

The dam wall is made of clay and concrete and covered with granite ashlars forming a slope. It must have been a considerable engineering feat to channel the captured fresh water into the town through large hydraulic pipes and finally the Los Milagros aqueduct which is still largely intact.

The peaceful environment of the embalse  is a natural attraction for many species of birds,  especially the aquatic varieties which thrive on the varied fish and crayfish clearly visable in the shallow water of the shore.

 

An important and interesting Roman site; Proserpina was the essential fresh water source for Emerita Augusta which became one of the most imposing Roman cities in Iberia.

The reservoir is set in the middle of an Extremadura landscape of cork oak and holm oak woods, pasture for sheep and pigs, vast views. It's a man made environment, not a natural lake, but it still makes an impressive vista, an unexpected expanse of water in the typical landscape.

 Within the last 20 years it has been developed as a natural leisure area with water sports, fishing and a cycling/ walking path around the entire reservoir. The water is very clean, swimming is delightful.

 It's a good place to take children, they can  run around and explore the natural environment as well as the other attractions,  there are pedal boats for hire which may be a fun and safe diversion.

Several pleasant waterside cafès provide light meals, drinks and snacks all year around, open for lunch and dinner until 20.30 or 21.00 at weekends.