Upon first inspection, you may wonder why this picturesque town in Spain was ever abandoned. Colourful houses are surrounded by lush greenery that run into turquoise waters, and the whole place has a sense of serenity. However, some 1,000 residents were forced to vacate their homes 55 years ago, and they have never been able to return.
Founded in the 9th Century, the western Spanish town was once a powerful hub with some 15 municipalities under its control. However, in the 1950s, dictator Francisco Franco ordered plans to build a series of dams, the largest of which was the Gabriel y Galán reservoir which surrounded Granadilla.
The government confiscated the land, and the residents were forced to leave their homes due to the threat of possible floods. The last residents left in 1964, and many moved to surrounding towns with the hope that they could return.
However, some 50 years later, the town has still not flooded, and the residents are no closer to moving back.
“They kicked us out, claiming that the dam would flood the town, which was impossible because the town is higher than the dam,” Eugenio Jiménez, president of the Association Sons of Granadilla, told the BBC in 2022.
“But those were times of dictatorship, and we had no rights. But what truly frustrates me is that during democratic times, I’ve been struggling for the recovery of Granadilla with the former children’s association, and no government has listened to us.”
Instead, it has been turned into a tourist attraction. It was officially declared a Historic-Artistic site in 1980, and the funds from tourists have gone into preserving the many historic sites, such as its 15th-century castle.
Built by the first Duke of Alba, it comes complete with four towers, impressive vaulted ceilings, and even a dungeon. Visitors can climb to the top of the castle to get a view of the surrounding area — and the fateful reservoir.
A 9th-century wall that once protected the town encloses a life that once was, including the colourful Plaza Mayor and historic church, Iglesia de la Asunción, which interestingly still holds some masses despite a lacking congregation.
Owing to its remote location, the town is still relatively unheard of, and the closest airport is Salamanca, which is one and a half hours away.