The Painted Dam of Orihuela (Azudes de Rio Segura)
Painting of this dam or weir seems to be a tradition.
The weir in the centre of the historic quarter of Orihuela, Spain is certainly medieval but the age of the remarkable painting on its face is uncertain. What is clear however that this is not the first painting to adorn this structure as an entirely different painting can be seen on a photograph from 1987. The painting involves the city crest and multi coloured rectangles. Flows in the river are such that most of the time the face of the weir remains dry.
This latest version of artwork on the weir may have been created about 2018 when it seems that refurbishment of the banks around the weir and installation of new footbridges was carried out. We do know that prior to 2001 the river was highly polluted due to effluent from the local canning industry. In 2001 a major campaign was instigated by environmental regulators.
Even without the adornment the structure is of great historical interest. The original purpose of the weir was to direct water into an irrigation/water supply/water power system. Along the Segura are numerous examples of such impondments, some of which were used to supply water to water wheels that drove ingenious scoop sytems to raise water levels even further than the levels achieved by the weirs. The irrigation system around Orihuela dates back to the 8th century and is world famous amongst hydraulic engineers. Significant academic publications have been produced.The face of the weir seems to have been reinforced with a concrete cap but how long it will last is unclear as it is visibly being undercut.
This impressive painting is unlikely to be permanent as , from time to time the river floods and a torrent of water passes over the weir. Even in 2024 the condition is much poorer than those shown in images from 2022. It is still worth taking the time to look not least because it is quite close to the Cathedral. Also, built into the walls of the canalised river, at this point is a rather nice modern sundial and just round the corner an amazing modern clock tower in glass.
Know Before You Go
There is nice underground parking at Parking Entrepuentes just off Calle San Gregorio. Conveniently the pedestrian exit staircase near to the control office exits directly next to the weir.
On the first Saturday in June in 2024 it was hard to find somewhere to eat as most places seemed to be closed at lunchtime. In walking distance is Meson Pepe which was open and served excellent grilled cuttlefish and a superb goats cheese salad.
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