The Cascallares Dam a quiet guardian of the Reconquista River. It’s more than just a dam. It’s a historical landmark. A testament to human ingenuity. It regulates the river’s flow. It prevents devastating floods in Paso del Rey.
The Dique Cascallares isn’t flashy. It doesn’t boast towering structures. It’s a vital part of the Roggero Dam system. That system was built in 1972 to tame the Reconquista River. The river often caused terrible floods. The Roggero Dam created Lago San Francisco. This artificial lake is huge. It spans 450 hectares. It’s shared by four municipalities.
But the Dique Cascallares has its own special story. It’s located 3.5 kilometers downstream from the Roggero Dam. Between the two dams the river is remarkably clean. The clean water supports a small but diverse fish population. Weekends bring many anglers. They cast their lines from the only permitted fishing spot the Puente Cascallares bridge. They hope to catch pejerrey bagre or even small tarariras.
The name Cascallares itself is fascinating. It honors the Cascallares family. They owned land there in the 19th century. Antonino Tadeo Cascallares bought a large tract of land in 1847. His family built a mill near the current Puente Cascallares. The area was once a popular spot for summer swimming. Balnearios Cascallares Rio Alegre and La Porteña were bustling with bathers. Today swimming is prohibited. The river’s pollution levels are too high. Excavations made during dam construction also pose a significant risk.
Even the area surrounding the Dique Cascallares holds a unique charm. A short distance upstream lies Los Estribos. This was the estate of Florencio Molina Campos. The renowned painter built a cabin there. He found inspiration in the landscape. He entertained Walt Disney there. Today the estate is a historic site. The nearby path is named in Molina Campos’ honor.
The Dique Cascallares isn’t just a dam. It’s a piece of Argentinian history. It’s a quiet refuge of nature. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine. So next time you’re in the area. Consider a visit to this understated gem. You won’t regret the journey.