The heritage complex of Lock 1 at Campos, built between 1842 and 1849, is located in the municipality of Abarca (Palencia), at kilometer 124.422 of the Campos Branch of the Castile Canal. This site is a particularly complete example of how a large-scale hydraulic engineering project integrated technical infrastructure, auxiliary buildings, and productive activities to regulate water, facilitate navigation, and harness its energy.
The main feature is Lock 1, a simple, rectangular lock designed to overcome the canal’s difference in elevation and allow controlled passage of vessels. It is constructed of limestone masonry and retains the original supports for the operating winches. Upstream, the canal forms an almost rectangular basin, while on its right bank there is a long, fixed-walled side spillway that carries water through an underground conduit to the lock basin. Parallel to this is another submerged spillway with a lower wall, reinforcing the overall hydraulic control. The downstream entrance is protected by a stone lining. The structure is in good condition, and the original hydraulic works remain intact and are fully protected.
Associated with the lock is the bridge that crosses it and also spans the diversion channel, built of limestone ashlar with segmental arches. Its central pier extends downstream in a wedge shape to guide the confluence of the canal and diversion flows, fulfilling an essential function of road connection and flow regulation, although it is in fair condition. Completing the complex are a former lock keeper’s house, now in ruins, constructed of brick, rammed earth, and wood; and a notable flour mill, comprised of several buildings, which utilized the return channel of the old mill. This mill, built with brick and limestone foundations, retains its machinery and has been repurposed as an art gallery, constituting one of the most unique examples of the reuse of the canal’s industrial heritage.
A visit to the Campos Lock 1 complex allows one to understand the Canal de Castilla as a living and complex system, where water, industry and territory are articulated in a landscape of great value.
