A watery past full of mysteries
Years ago, on a special day like March 22, World Water Day was commemorated in Reus. During these dates, the city is dressed in vindictive and awareness-raising events that last the whole weekend.
A geographical and cultural legacy
Reus has experienced water supply challenges throughout history, given its Mediterranean climate and lack of rainfall. The medieval past reveals the construction of structures such as the Calderons bridge and the Cinco Ponts aqueduct, which demonstrate the ancestral relationship with water.
Water, source of life
The city found its source of water in the Almoster creek and other resources. Over time, ponds were developed, such as the Bacalà one, and projects such as the transfer of the Ebro, which ensured the supply of drinking water for the residents of Reus.
Period scenes
Figures like Maria Roig, the ‘anisseras’ of Boca de la Mina, recall a commercial and social past linked to water. The city, through modern sculptures, keeps alive the memory of ancient trades and traditions around water.
Innovation and heritage
The evolution of Reus is reflected in its water infrastructure, from the Cinc Ponts aqueduct to the Old Reservoir and the modern Sala dels Rentadors. The architectural and cultural heritage of the city has water as a backdrop in its identity.
The riches of the past
Farms, flour mills and traditional businesses, such as those of the Llopis Fontana Family, recall the prosperity and economic diversity that characterized Reus. The growing consumption of water by industries and wealthy families marked the urban development of the city.
A living legacy
The names of the streets and squares of Reus resonate with the history of water: from Plaça del Víctor to Camí de l’Aigua Nova. Recognizing the city’s water past is fundamental to preserving its identity and cultural legacy.