Granadilla, Spain facts for kids
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Granadilla is a special ghost town in Spain. It is located in the Extremadura region. Since 1960, Granadilla has been part of the nearby town of Zarza de Granadilla.
In 1955, the people living in Granadilla had to leave their homes. This happened because the Spanish government decided to build a large reservoir nearby. A reservoir is like a big lake made by people to store water. Even though the town itself was not flooded, the roads leading to it were cut off by the new water. This made it very hard for people to live there.
Today, Granadilla is not completely empty. It has become a popular place for young people to go camping in the summer. Many tourists also visit to see this unique town.
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Why Granadilla Became a Ghost Town
Granadilla was once a lively town with many families. But on June 24, 1955, the government made a big decision. They ordered everyone to leave their homes. This was during a time when Francisco Franco was the leader of Spain. His government, called the Franco regime, decided to build the Gabriel y Galán reservoir.
The reservoir was planned to bring water to farms and towns. Even though Granadilla itself was on a hill and would not be underwater, the new reservoir would surround it. This meant that all the roads and paths to Granadilla would be flooded. It would be impossible to get in or out easily.
The government told the residents they had to move. They were given new homes in other towns. It was a sad time for the people of Granadilla, who had to leave their history and memories behind.
Granadilla's New Life
After the people left, Granadilla became a quiet place. For many years, it was almost forgotten. However, in the 1980s, something new happened. The Spanish government started a program to help young people learn about history and nature.
Granadilla was chosen as a special place for this program. Students and volunteers began to work on restoring the old buildings. They helped to clean up the streets and make the town safe to visit again. This project helped to bring Granadilla back to life, even without its original residents.
Today, Granadilla is a unique example of a restored ghost town. It is managed by the government and used for educational programs.
What You Can See in Granadilla Today
When you visit Granadilla, you can walk through the old streets. You can see the castle walls that still stand strong. The castle was built a long time ago to protect the town. Many of the old houses have been repaired.
The town is surrounded by beautiful nature. The reservoir, which caused the town to be abandoned, now provides a scenic view. It's a peaceful place where you can imagine what life was like many years ago.
Location and Surroundings
Granadilla is located in the northern part of the Province of Cáceres, which is in the Extremadura region of western Spain. The region is known for its beautiful landscapes and traditional towns.
The town sits on a hill, giving it a good view of the surrounding area. The Gabriel y Galán reservoir now stretches out around the town, creating a unique island-like feeling, especially when the water levels are high.
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