Esparragalejo Dam

BW

The Esparragalejo Dam was a Roman multiple arch dam in Esparragalejo in Extremadura (Spain). The 1st Jh.n. BC -made structure is the oldest dam of this type.

The shut-off is designed as a multiple arch dam, the water thus dammed up with a succession of vaulted brick arches against the flow direction. As abutment of the arcuate arches serve twelve pillars that strengthen with a center distance of 8.20 meters on the water side facing away from the dam. The wall itself is 2.20 meters thick at the base and has a height of 5.60 meters. The entire crown length is 320 meters, but only a portion is occupied by the multi- arch construction. Built probably in the 1st century AD plant served the irrigation regulation. The reservoir is fed by the Arroyo de Albucia in the basin of the Guadiana.

The dam was rebuilt in 1959.