Azudes de Mutxamel y de Sant Joan

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When visiting Mutxamel, don’t miss Mutxamel Dam and Sant Joan Dam, two historic water structures that blend seamlessly into the scenic countryside.

Mutxamel boasts a fascinating legacy thanks to Alicante's farming history. Want to discover where it all began?

Tucked away in the pretty town of Mutxamel in Alicante lie two historic landmarks, Azud de Mutxamel and el Azud de Sant Joan, Mutxamel Dam and Sant Joan Dam. These old irrigation systems, dating back to the Islamic period, channelled water from the river Monnegre to the land, and have been key to the region’s flourishing farming industry since the 18th century.

Mutxamel Dam, also known as "Assut de Les Fontetes", was built before the Tibi Reservoir and still exists today. It was built in order to divert water to the main irrigation canal and onto the fields of Alicante. In the past, the sound of the church bells announced the arrival of water to farmers, a tradition that lasted centuries.

Sant Joan Dam completes the historic site, which is now declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Both dams not only represent the hydraulic innovation of the era, but also the deep-rooted local farming traditions still present today.

Turn your trip to Mutxamel into a journey back in time and uncover how water was a crucial element of life in Alicante.