Tower of the Old Church of Fayón

About this heritage

The old tower of the church of Fayón is one of the few remnants left of the old town of Fayón, in the province of Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain. The old Fayón was abandoned and partially flooded due to the construction of the Riba-roja reservoir in 1967, which forced the relocation of the urban center to a new site in a higher area.

To learn more

The church of San Juan Bautista, of which the tower is the only structure still standing, was an important religious building of the old town of Fayón. Originally built in the 18th century, the church served as the center of religious and community life for the inhabitants of Fayón.

With the decision to build the Riba-roja reservoir, old Fayón was affected by rising waters. The town had to be abandoned and its inhabitants moved to the new Fayón, built in a safer location. Most buildings were submerged or demolished, but the church tower was one of the structures chosen to be preserved, remaining partially above the water level.

Despite being partially submerged and exposed to the elements, the tower has been the focus of conservation efforts to maintain its structure and prevent further deterioration. Its current state is a testament to the resilience and history of the old town of Fayón.

The tower of the church of San Juan Bautista is a powerful symbol for both former and current inhabitants of Fayón. It represents the memory and continuity of the community despite the forced transformation caused by the reservoir. It is a place to visit for those wishing to connect with the history of the old town and reflect on the changes and sacrifices involved in the relocation.

To know it better

Although the tower is not easily accessible due to its location in the flooded area, it is visible and has become a point of interest for visitors to Fayón and history enthusiasts. Excursions and guided tours are organized that include the tower in their itineraries, providing historical context and detailed explanations about life in old Fayón and the effects of the reservoir.

The church tower of Fayón is more than an architectural structure; it is a monument to the history and resilience of a community. Its solitary presence in the landscape transformed by the Riba-roja reservoir serves as a constant reminder of the changes that can occur in the name of progress and the importance of preserving historical memory.