Portomarín facts for kids
Portomarín is a small town located in the province of Lugo in Spain. It's a special place because it sits right on the famous French Way of the Camino de Santiago, which is a very old pilgrimage route. The town has a population of about 2,000 people and covers an area of 115 square kilometers.
Long ago, the original town of Portomarín was built next to a Roman bridge over the Minho River. It was an important spot and was rebuilt many times throughout the Middle Ages.
A Town on the Move
Something amazing happened to Portomarín in the 1960s! The Miño River was dammed to create a large lake called the Belesar reservoir. This meant the old town of Portomarín would be completely covered by water.
To save its history, the people decided to move the most important buildings, brick by brick, to a new location on higher ground. Imagine taking apart a huge church, piece by piece, and putting it back together somewhere else! That's exactly what they did with the main church, which looks like a castle, called the Church of San Juan of Portomarín.
Today, when the water level in the dam is low, you can still see parts of the old village. The remains of ancient buildings, the old waterfront, and even the original bridge sometimes appear from under the water. It's like a hidden town waiting to be discovered!
Portomarín's Population Over Time
The number of people living in Portomarín has changed a lot over the years. Here's a look at how the population has grown and shrunk:
See also
In Spanish: Puertomarín para niños
