The Alcantarilla de la Raya is a small hydraulic infrastructure of the Southern Branch of the Canal de Castilla located between Locks 34-35-36 and Lock 37, in the vicinity of Villamuriel de Cerrato-Dueñas (Palencia), at kilometer 106.880. Although of modest scale, its importance lies in the essential function it performs within the system: allowing the passage of water under the canal and ensuring the stability of the channel and its banks in a section that has been heavily modified.
This structure was designed with efficiency and durability in mind, integrated into the terrain and aligned with the canal’s standard drainage solutions to ensure natural drainage without interfering with navigation. The culvert retains all of the original hydraulic engineering, underscoring its heritage value as part of the technical system that enabled the continuous operation of the Canal de Castilla. Although precise data on its arch type, dimensions, and materials are unavailable, its complete preservation allows for a clear understanding of its layout and its role within the overall system.
For visitors, the Alcantarilla de la Raya offers a different perspective on the Canal de Castilla: that of the silent structures that maintain its hydraulic equilibrium. Integrated into a landscape of riverbanks and towpaths, it invites visitors to explore the section at a leisurely pace and appreciate how each element, however small, contributes to the grand work of the canal.
