Proserpina reservoir and its Roman dam

Proserpina is the Roman reservoir that supplied Augusta Emerita with water, north of Mérida. Its ashlar dam is still standing almost two thousand years later, and the lake it holds is today an official bathing area in summer and a quiet walk the rest of the year. It is the half-day plan for when you fancy water and fresh air between monuments.

The Roman dam

According to the Monumental City Consortium, the reservoir is of Roman origin and has been remodelled many times over the centuries. The dike is about 425 m long and the water reaches about 21 m deep. You can walk along its crest and see up close the stone wall that holds the water.

From here the conduit left that reached the city by the Los Milagros aqueduct: the water travelled underground to a settling tank, the piscina limaria, and from there crossed the Albarregas valley over the arcade. Seeing both on the same day is following the whole path of the water, from start to finish.

Swimming and walking

The reservoir is in the official register of bathing areas of Extremadura. The season is in high summer, and its status and services can change each year: before going, check at the tourist office or in the Junta's register of bathing areas. Outside those months it is an unhurried place to walk along the shore, sit and watch the water or have a picnic with children.

Near the dam, the Consortium mentions Lake Proserpina and a Water Interpretation Centre; ask at the tourist office whether the latter is open when you go, because its hours are not published.

How to get there

It is on the outskirts, to the north, along the Proserpina road. The Consortium places it about 5 km from Mérida; by road from the centre, reckon a little more. The practical way is by car. The visit to the dam is free and unrestricted, outside the paid enclosures, and has no hours.

When to go and what to combine

For swimming, July and August; for walking, spring and autumn, with milder temperatures. In summer, go early or late to avoid the strong heat, and bring water and sun protection. Allow half a day if you are going to swim, and a good hour if you are only walking.

On the way back, stop at the Los Milagros aqueduct, which is on the way to the centre, in the late afternoon, when the sun hits the arches from the side. If you still have time, the Alcazaba and the Roman bridge or the Temple of Diana round off the day well.