Hidden in the Almeria countryside, the Aljibe Bermejo is a 13th-century cistern that holds a surprising secret. Built in the first half of the 13th century, it's one of the last remaining reminders of the Cordel de Almería cattle path that once crossed this land. The exterior of the cistern reveals the dome and the two main facades, constructed of irregular stones for both the enclosing wall and the vault start. However, the real surprise lies within.The interior tank is about 3 meters deep, with walls plastered with a mortar rich in lime, which helps perfect impermeabilization of the building.
The cistern was built with masonry held together with mortar, and its roof has a half-arched or aljibe-type vault with three openings in the upper part for water extraction. The main facade is made of irregular stones for both the enclosing wall and the vault start. The remnants of a light pointed hole in the center of the main facade provide access to the interior of the cistern via stairs attached to this wall. Curiously, some steps have disappeared.
The back facade is semi-buried, made of masonry, while the vault start is made of stones. There was a water inlet canal on the back façade that has now disappeared. The interior tank features an arched fajón in the middle to help support the roof. Aljibe Bermejo was declared a cultural asset by the Spanish government in 2000.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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