Celtiberian Reservoir of La Barbacana in Laguardia: Europe’s Unique 2 100-Year-Old Water Tank
The Celtiberian Reservoir of La Barbacana lies just south of Laguardia’s medieval walls. Built between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, its sandstone masonry walls—up to 4 m high—enclose 300 000 L of water, a marvel of ancient hydraulic engineering.
Construction & Purpose
Rectangular plan: 25×15 m with inward-leaning walls. Dry-set ashlars sealed with fine gravel. It guaranteed water supply during droughts and sieges and symbolized community resilience.
Ritual and Archaeology
In 1965, an altar to the Matres (water goddesses) was found, along with pottery and animal bones—evidence of votive offerings and communal feasts.
Interpretation & Visits
The on-site Interpretation Center (May–Oct, Wed–Sun, 10–14 & 16–19 h) offers scale models, tactile panels and 3D projections. Guided tours run hourly; combined entry with the walls costs €5 (reduced €3).
Perched viewpoints and interpretive panels connect you to over 2 000 years of Celtiberian ingenuity in one glance.
How to get there
Decimal: 42.551667°, -2.584444°
DMS: 42°33'06" N, 2°35'04" O
