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Torrelodones

El Gasco Dam

Highlight • Monument

El Gasco Dam

Recommended by 52 hikers out of 53

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    Best Hikes to El Gasco Dam

    4.6

    (16)

    45

    hikers

    1. Gasco Reservoir and Torrelodones Watchtower - circular from Las Matas

    18.5km

    05:04

    290m

    290m

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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    Hard

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Hard

    Tips

    February 1, 2022

    The El Gasco dam, also called Peña Strait or Carlos III Dam, is one of the most important civil engineering projects in 18th century Spain. It is located above the Guadarrama River gorge, in an area currently protected by the regional park of the middle course of the Guadarrama River and its surroundings.

    Translated by Google •

      October 11, 2022

      Built in granite masonry in the Guadarrama river canyon, it was the tallest dam projected up to that time, with 93 meters in height, although it only reached 53 meters built. The first operators were soldiers and later common prisoners were brought in to lower costs. The current remains are 251 meters long, 72 wide at the base and four at the top. The pressure of the water and the leaks caused the collapse of the south wall in 1789, mainly due to technical deficiencies in the construction.

      Translated by Google •

        A very nice walk near Madrid. 100% recommended, it's easy and you can go through the canal that was built to make Madrid navigable to the coast. They reach the half-destroyed dam that was supposed to supply the canal with water.

        Translated by Google •

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          Details

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          Elevation 750 m

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          Location: Torrelodones, Guadarrama, Madrid, Spain

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