Church of Sant Romà

Historical landmark · Barcelona

1

@atlasobscura

The Sunken World Hiding Under the Water's Surface

"Sometimes old ruins just get in the way of modern progress. When that happens, there is apparently no other choice than to flood a 1,000-year-old city with breathtaking Romanesque ruins. Despite the deluge, after 50 years, the proud spire of the village’s church won’t go away so easily. In the 1960s, the Catalonian government made the choice to create a reservoir on the site of San Romà de Sau, a village that had been inhabited for a millennium. Forced to leave their town, the people made their best effort to take their valuables, and even exhume their dead before the man-made flood. Leaving the skeleton of their town, they headed inland. As predicted, the creation of the reservoir flooded San Romà de Sau and completely submerged the buildings. However, when water levels in the area drop, the ghost village eerily emerges from the water, highlighted by the three-story church of the town. Although very small, the pointed spire of the church can still be seen from anywhere in the surrounding hills. When the reservoir is high, only the tip of the Romanesque spire can be seen, but during periods of drought, the entire church emerges on dry land. During one of the dry periods, an effort to fortify the remains took place, and the church was reinforced with concrete. Despite being reinforced, the church is off-limits to visitors, and has a fence surrounding it that sinks with the water level as well. Along with the church, other ruins of the town including an empty cemetery and the foundations of other buildings come to the surface as well and are frequently visited by tourists." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/sunken-cities-flooded-drowned
hagengraf/Flickr (Creative Commons)

Sau Reservoir, 08519, Barcelona, Spain Get directions

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Bodega La Puntual

Catalonian restaurant · La Barceloneta

Contemporary tavern with high ceilings, offering an array of tapas, plus vermouth & wine.

2 Postcards

Design Museum of Barcelona

Art museum · el Parc i la Llacuna del Poblenou

At the Disseny Hub Barcelona, a striking modernist gem, explore a trove of Spanish design and innovation that's as fascinating as the building itself.

2 Postcards

Xemei

Venetian restaurant · el Poble Sec

Xemei is a bustling haven for Venetian cuisine in Barcelona, where cozy vibes meet standout pasta and shellfish, making for an unforgettable meal.

3 Postcards

The Garage by Veronica Blume

Yoga studio · el Poble Sec

The Garage is the perfect urban retreat for its location , beautiful space and the kindest well experienced teachers.

1 Postcard

El Nacional Barcelona

Spanish restaurant · la Dreta de l'Eixample

Nestled in a stunning, high-ceilinged former factory, El Nacional offers a vibrant culinary journey through Spanish grilled meats, seafood, and tapas, all in a stylish setting.

2 Postcards

Cañete

Restaurant · el Raval

Experience a taste of Spain with standout dishes like seafood paella and buttery squid sandwiches, all served in a vibrant tapas bar atmosphere.

11 Postcards

Bangkok Cafè

Thai restaurant · les Corts

This cozy gem in Les Corts serves up vibrant Thai dishes like spicy curries and spring rolls, all in a stylish atmosphere perfect for a quick bite.

1 Postcard

Palau Güell

Museum · el Raval

Nestled on Carrer Nou de la Rambla, Palau Güell showcases Gaudí's early genius with its rich wood, intricate ironwork, and a vibrant rooftop terrace.

5 Postcards

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel · la Barceloneta

Nestled in a sleek high-rise with stunning views, this luxe hotel offers refined accommodations, an exceptional breakfast buffet, and a top-notch spa.

7 Postcards

Casa Gràcia

Hotel · la Vila de Gracia

Charming and vibrant, this cozy hostel features stylish dorms and private rooms, a lively bar, and a prime location near public transit and dining.

3 Postcards