Mediano by the Reservoir – History, Nature and Kayaking Route

Mediano appears particularly distinctive where the waterscape and architectural heritage cannot be told separately. Historical traces, an unusual water level and a guided activity on the lake give the place a character that lies between cultural discovery and experiencing nature.

Waterscape

The Mediano Reservoir covers an area of 1,740 hectares. Its volume is 436 cubic hectometres. Area and volume provide two different scales for viewing the body of water: one figure describes its extent, while the other indicates the amount of water it contains. For your own trip planning, these figures can serve as factual points of reference between the expansive landscape and the dimensions of the lake.

History and Architectural Heritage

The historic ensemble of Mediano includes the Esconjuradero de Mediano. The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción served for several centuries as the parish church of the former municipality of Mediano and was the setting for religious services and ceremonies. The tower and two sections of the nave covered by rib vaults were built around 1550.

In 1969, the Mediano Reservoir submerged the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción below the water level and flooded most of Mediano’s old town centre in the same year. The Esconjuradero regularly served as the setting for rituals intended to ward off thunderstorms, epidemics and evil spirits. Today, the historic complex lies beneath the waters of the Mediano Reservoir and is visible only when the water level is very low. Here, architectural history and water level can be considered as two independent topics that are nevertheless closely connected.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

The Puente del Diablo is located near Mediano, next to the Mediano Dam. The A-138 road passes through Mediano. A route from Aínsa via Mediano to Almazorre takes approximately 30 minutes. The information about the structure, road and route provides different scales for orientation; different distances and topics can thus be compared separately.

This gives you different options for planning your day: the approximately 30-minute route from Aínsa via Mediano to Almazorre provides a time frame, while the Puente del Diablo and the dam establish their own geographical reference points. Those interested in architectural history can consider the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the Esconjuradero de Mediano separately; the guided kayaking route connects the lake with the tower structure rising out of the water and with an interpretation of the natural surroundings. This keeps the route, architectural heritage and experience on the water distinct as different focal points.

More Destinations

More destinations: Alcampell, Peñalba, Torres de Barbués, Torralba De Aragón, Panzano, Laspuña, Bisaurri and Satué.

Trip Planning

When comparing a holiday apartment in Mediano, you can place the travel dates, room category and cancellation policy side by side on the respective offer pages. These three details describe the specific framework of an offer, while the landscape and cultural topics define the content of your trip planning.

Experiences on the Water

A guided kayaking route on the Mediano Reservoir passes the bell tower of the church of Mediano, which rises out of the water, and includes an interpretation of the natural surroundings.

For the overarching travel overview: Huesca.