Abánades spill

The Abánades Spillway, built between 1759 and 1804, is one of the structures designed to guarantee the safety and hydraulic stability of the Canal de Castilla’s Northern Branch. Its function is to evacuate excess water when the flow exceeds the planned level, preventing damage to the banks and ensuring a stable flow. Although its design is more austere than that of locks or aqueducts, it forms part of the complex regulatory system that allowed the canal to operate continuously for centuries. Fifty meters long, this structure rests on a concrete foundation, a material that provides strength and durability against water erosion. Its discreet yet essential presence demonstrates the precision with which each section of the canal was planned to adapt to variations in the terrain and flow.

The spillway is located in an open agricultural setting, where the canal runs elevated and the landscape stretches across wide plains. Its state of preservation is good, and it retains all of its original hydraulic structure, which reinforces its heritage value and justifies its comprehensive protection.

A visit to the Abánades Spillway is the perfect opportunity to understand how 18th-century engineering solved water challenges with simplicity and efficiency. A stroll along this section allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the landscape and discover, almost effortlessly, the harmony between technology and the land that characterizes the Canal de Castilla.