The Andalusian regional government has declared the Dique con Tajamares a Cultural Heritage Site, catalogued as a monument. The dike was built by the Moors in the 11th century to avoid the periodic floods caused by the River Darro at its concourse with the Genil.
Typically Moorish construction
The dike, located on the left bank of the Genil, has a series of cutwaters or breakwaters – hence its name – on its waterside slope to counter erosion. The main part of the dyke, whose design is characteristic of the age, consists of a very hard, compact retaining wall of an amalgam of lime and medium aggregates. The dike is in good condition, above all the inner slope of the retaining wall.
Thanks to the continuous repair work and improvements carried out on the dike, its history is excellently recorded. For instance, the alterations carried out at the beginning of the 19th century, by order of General Sebastiani during the French occupation, are mentioned in the archives.
