The ruins of Argusino

Discover the history of Argusino, the Zamoran village submerged beneath the Almendra Reservoir

Very close to Fermoselle and the Arribes del Duero, this visit brings together nature, memory, and emotion.

Near the imposing landscapes of the Arribes del Duero, where cliffs merge with the silence of the river, lies a secret that emerges only at times: the ruins of Argusino. This village of Zamora, swallowed by the waters of the Almendra Reservoir in the 1960s, holds a story worth telling. When drought lowers the water level, its stones return to the light, as if reminding us of what once was.

In this article, we invite you to discover not only the history of a submerged village but also a different kind of travel experience: nature, memory, and authenticity in the heart of the Arribes del Duero.

The history of Argusino: a village across centuries

A humble origin
Argusino was a small village in the province of Zamora, located in the Sayago region, with deep rural roots. Its inhabitants lived off farming, livestock, and community life for generations.

The Almendra Reservoir and disappearance
In the 1960s, hydroelectric development sealed Argusino’s fate. The construction of the Almendra Reservoir (one of the largest in Spain) led to the expropriation and evacuation of the village. In 1967, the water permanently covered its streets, houses, and churches. Families were relocated and, although compensated, many felt they lost something irreplaceable: their home and their roots.

What remains today
Since then, Argusino only “appears” during prolonged droughts, when the reservoir level falls enough to reveal its remains. At such times, history breathes again: walls, traces of dwellings, the church’s structure… A moving spectacle, where stone resists oblivion.

Where are the ruins and how to get there

Location
The former site lies next to the Almendra Reservoir, in the province of Zamora, near the Salamanca border. From Fermoselle, one of the most beautiful villages of the Arribes del Duero, access is straightforward and just 25 minutes by car.

Seasonal accessibility
The ruins are only visible during prolonged droughts or when the reservoir is at low levels (usually in summer). It is advisable to check conditions beforehand.

Important tips

• The ruins are not always visible, depending on water levels.

• The ground may be uneven and is not marked as an official route. Caution and respect for the environment are recommended.

Suggested route: from Fermoselle

For those wishing to integrate this visit into a broader experience, we suggest a combined route that unites nature, history, and gastronomy:

Itinerary proposal

• Start at Posada Doña Urraca (Fermoselle) – A perfect place for breakfast before the route and a stroll through its cobbled streets.

• Visit the Mirador del Fraile – Stunning views over the Duero canyons, ideal for photography.

• Detour to the Almendra Reservoir and search for the ruins of Argusino – If the water level permits, you can contemplate the emerging structures.

• Return through nearby villages: Fornillos, Pinilla or Villar del Buey – Small towns that preserve the rural soul of Sayago.

• End in Fermoselle – Dinner and rest at Posada Doña Urraca: local cuisine, Arribes wine, and good company to close the day.

Suggested stops: San Lorenzo Bridge, Ambasaguas spot, Mirador de las Escaleras.

Multimedia gallery

• Current images: photographs of the ruins that surfaced in recent summers.

• Historic photos: archive material of Argusino before its disappearance.

• Initiatives: such as “Reconstruyendo Argusino”, with exhibitions, documentaries, testimonies, and family gatherings.

Living memory

“My grandmother was born in Argusino. Every time I return and see those stones rise from the water, I feel she is still there.” — Carmen, granddaughter of former inhabitants.

“My grandmother told me that from her house she could hear the church bells… And that the day they left, they looked back one last time, not knowing if they would ever see their church again.” — Testimony of a descendant of Argusino.

Associations have promoted commemorative events, exhibitions, and recovery of Argusino’s memory. Some initiatives aim to mark the area and document visible remains, without intrusive tourism, respecting its commemorative value.

Tips for travellers

• Best time to visit: late summer or dry autumns, when the reservoir is low.

• Precautions: terrain is irregular and unsigned; wear suitable footwear.

• Respect: it is a place full of memory. Do not disturb the environment or take “souvenirs.”

Conclusion: Argusino, a story that refuses to sink

Argusino is not just a vanished village. It is a symbol of collective memory that, like the stones emerging from the reservoir, resists oblivion. For visitors seeking nature, culture, and truth in the Arribes del Duero, this corner offers a unique experience: the chance to walk upon memory.

From Posada Doña Urraca, only a few kilometres away, your getaway can become more than just a trip: a tribute. Because discovering Argusino also means honouring those who lived, loved, and lost their home… and still remember it today.