Description
The Giribaile reservoir is a dam located on the Guadalimar river, within the Guadalquivir basin, between the regions of La Loma de Úbeda and El Condado.Recently built between 1993 and 1997, its dam wall stands on the slopes of the Lambra area, and its waters submerge parts of the municipal districts of Ibros, Vilches, Rus, Canena, Úbeda, Navas de San Juan and Sabiote. It holds an immense artificial lake formed by the impounded waters of the river, known as the "sea of La Loma", the second largest reservoir in Jaén and the third largest in the Guadalquivir basin, with a capacity of 475 hm³. Beneath its waters lies the submerged monumental 16th-century Puente Ariza bridge, designed by the architect Andrés de Vandelvira. Three homes were also flooded, and 12 residents had to be relocated. It is used for irrigation, fishing, swimming and electricity generation, and has a tourist jetty.
