Granadilla

A complete medieval walled town that was evacuated in the 1960s when a reservoir was built, flooding the surrounding valley. The town stands empty and intact behind its walls, a ghost village accessible only on foot.

Officially abandoned and with controlled visitor access, Granadilla is one of Spain's most haunting and least-known medieval sites.

History

Granadilla, an abandoned walled town in Extremadura, holds a unique and poignant history. Its origins can be traced to the Muslim period, being founded in the 9th century as a defensive stronghold. Following the Reconquista, it became an important Christian settlement, granted a charter (fuero) by King Ferdinand II of León in 1160. The town's strategic location on a hill overlooking the Cáparra Valley made it a key administrative and commercial center during the Middle Ages, evidenced by its well-preserved walls and castle.

The town's abandonment in the 20th century is its defining historical event. In the 1950s, the construction of the Gabriel y Galán reservoir was planned, which would submerge vast swathes of land. Although Granadilla itself was not to be flooded, it was declared a 'flood zone' due to its potential isolation if the reservoir filled completely. Its 1,000 inhabitants were forcibly expropriated and relocated between 1964 and 1969. The town is now a historical-artistic site, managed as a youth rehabilitation center, allowing visitors to experience a preserved medieval town frozen in time.

Highlights

• Complete medieval walled town — completely abandoned
• Evacuated for reservoir construction in the 1960s
• Almohad castle and medieval walls intact
• Accessible only on foot through controlled access

How to get there

From Plasencia, Granadilla is reachable by car in approximately 35 minutes, heading north on the EX-205 towards Abadía and then following local roads. Access is restricted to pedestrians.

Explore nearby: Extremadura guide · Cáceres province · Castles of Cáceres