Albufera de Anna lake

Albufera de Anna lake is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and emblematic recreational sites in the municipal region and province of Valencia. The lake is fed by the many sources of water that spring up from its depths. The area surrounding La Albufera has been occupied since the Mesolithic period (9000 BC – 6000 BC) and remains from this period and the Eneolithic period (3000 BC), and from medieval times (10th-13th centuries) were recovered when dredging the lake in 1971.

The Moors created a reservoir that enabled the irrigation of large areas of land. After the re-conquest, the feudal lords clashed for control over this lake or al-buhayra, which gave rise to a legend about the origin of the waters of La Albufera lake. As the feudal system gradually disappeared, smallholders fought to defend their rights against the Count of Cervellón, who, tiring of all the disputes, ended up handing over the rights to the sources of the waters around Anna to the Council in the mid-19th century.

In the 20th century, the people of Anna themselves fought to exercise control as owners of the lake, and in 1996 the Supreme Court ruled that the waters of La Albufera de Anna lake were the private and the exclusive property of Anna Council.

The waters of the lake are channelled by the Acequia Madre or main irrigation channel towards the town and irrigated areas along several branches. One of them runs along the area of L’Assut and drops down to the Gorgo Gaspar pool, others supply wash houses and watering troughs. The Acequia Madre or main irrigation channel penetrates into the city centre, spreading the characteristic sound of water through the streets and squares in large wash houses and waterfalls.
From an ecological perspective, the area is characterised by riverside vegetation, particularly represented by the poplars and reeds that grow on the banks of the lake, alongside other species such as pine trees and banana trees that also shade the immediate surroundings. The depths of the lake are home to species such as carp and barbel, while ducks and geese inhabit the central island known as El Merendero. La Albufera de Anna municipal swimming pool also has many services: picnic area, bars, restaurants, municipal pool and children’s park, and also offers the chance to go on a boat trip.