In the north of the Cáceres province, nestled by the Gabriel y Galán reservoir, lies a place frozen in time. Granadilla is a medieval fortress whose inhabitants were forcibly evacuated in the mid-20th century. The authorities feared that the dam’s construction would inundate the village, but the flood never came. Today, this former feudal villa, encircled by imposing walls and declared a historic-artistic site, draws travelers with its distinctive ambiance and storied past.
From grandeur to oblivion
Granadilla’s history stretches back to the era of Muslim rule. The settlement was founded by the Almohads on a strategically significant height along the ancient Silver Route, giving it a defensive character from the very beginning. In 1160, the fortress—then called Granada—was recaptured by King Ferdinand II of León. Ten years later, it was granted villa status and began to flourish. Over the centuries, it changed hands from the Order of Santiago to various noble families, until it became the property of the Dukes of Alba of the Álvarez de Toledo dynasty. Under their patronage, a graceful castle was built in the 15th century, still towering over the main square and fortress walls today. Within its ramparts, dense urban quarters remain, with streets fanning out from the center and a ring of gardens known as the ‘longueras’.
A dramatic twist of fate
A turning point for the settlement came in 1955, when the Council of Ministers under the Franco regime decided to expropriate most of the municipal land to construct a reservoir. Between 1960 and 1964, residents gradually left their homes. As the water level rose, their fields and pastures were submerged, depriving them of their livelihoods. The town itself, perched on a hill, became a peninsula surrounded by water but remained intact. In 1965, the municipality was officially dissolved, and Granadilla was completely abandoned. It seemed its history had ended, but in 1980, a true miracle occurred: the deserted village was declared a cultural heritage site.
Revival and a New Beginning
With its new status, large-scale restoration work began. The fortress walls, the castle, and many residential buildings were rebuilt. Since 1984, Granadilla has been part of an Educational Program focused on restoring and repurposing abandoned villages. This allowed restored buildings to be adapted for cultural and educational uses, in harmony with tourism. Today, this museum-town, managed by the National Parks Organization, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. Tourists are drawn by its untouched medieval atmosphere. Walking along the Almohad-era walls—considered some of the best preserved in Spain—climbing to the castle’s observation deck, or exploring the restored houses lets you vividly imagine what life was like here before the forced exodus. Entry is free, but access is regulated by a schedule that changes with the seasons. A visit here leaves a lasting impression, immersing you in this unique history.
