Only the church tower can be seen: the town of Zaragoza that was submerged under the waters of the Ebro

In the province of Zaragoza there are corners that hide almost forgotten stories. One of these places is a town that, due to progress and need, had to be reborn in a new location. What was once a set of streets full of life was buried under water , leaving the church tower as the only visible vestige.

This village is Fayón , a town belonging to the Bajo Aragón-Caspe region . Its history is that of a relocation due to the construction of the Ribarroja reservoir in 1967, a work that made its inhabitants move to a new location, where they built the modern Fayón that is known today.

FAYÓN, THE VILLAGE OF ZARAGOZA SUBMERGED UNDER A RESERVOIR

The present Fayón stands out for its peculiar contrast between its recent architecture and its thousand-year history. The streets of the new settlement are organized in an orderly fashion, with straight and wide avenues that lead to squares adorned with green areas. The houses, no more than two stories high, are characterized by a simple and homogeneous style, with white facades that reflect the tranquility that characterizes this town.

Despite its small size, with just over 350 inhabitants, Fayón offers all the services necessary for a comfortable and functional life: a medical centre, a bank office, bars, restaurants and even a coworking space. Fayón’s calm is not at odds with modern comfort.

WHAT TO SEE IN FAYON

Fayón offers various tourist attractions. Among the highlights, the Museum of the Battle of the Ebro is a must-see. This space shows the history of the old town and includes a collection about the battle with objects, photographs and historical recreations. And, for lovers of contemporary art, the María Pilar Burges Pictorial Museum exhibits eighty works of Fine Arts in Aragon.

Another point of interest is the Llaüt de Fayón. This village has become a reference point for river walks and offers guided tours of the Matarraña River and its mouth in the Ebro to learn about the history of the village.

The Pilar hermitage and the Mirador del Ebro are a must-see in Fayón. It is located 3 kilometres from the town centre and from there you can get a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. On the outskirts of the town there is also the hermitage of San Jorge and in front of it there is a century-old pine tree, one of the most outstanding elements of the area.

And we cannot forget to take a walk through the new town of Fayón, a town that stands out for its unusual history: a newly built town with more than a thousand years of history. The town stands out for being designed for comfortable living, it is organized between gardens and pedestrian areas.

OLIVE OIL, A CLASSIC TO TASTE IN FAYÓN

You cannot talk about Fayón without mentioning its gastronomy , and olive oil is one of the town’s star products. Made using traditional methods and renowned for its quality, this oil is a delicacy that cannot be missed on any visit to the town. It combines perfectly with other local products, such as artisan bread or typical sausages from the area.

The San Sebastián Agricultural Cooperative and the Fayón Association of Businessmen and Entrepreneurs have developed a project to promote this star product through tastings that allow visitors to enjoy the authentic gastronomy of the area.

HOW TO GET TO FAYON

By road Fayón can be reached from Mequinenza (20 km) or Gandesa (31 km). From Gandesa, take the road that passes through Vilalba dels Arcs, Pobla de Massaluca and finally Fayón. If you are travelling from Caspe, follow the N-211 towards Mequinenza and then the detour to Fayón.

By motorway or dual carriageway, via the AP-2 or A-2, taking the Fraga exit and continuing towards Mequinenza and Fayón.

By train, the station is located just 3 kilometres from the town. This station offers connections to cities such as Barcelona, ​​Tarragona, Madrid or Zaragoza. From the station, there is a municipal transport service to the town, for which it is necessary to make a reservation in advance by calling 659 75 09 99.