Snow wells (Nevaras) were constructed to store snow which was later sold to nearby towns. and sometimes exported further away. Many were built at the beginning of the 18th Century, All of them had domed roofs - but many of these have now collapsed. The snow was used to preserve food, and for cold drinks as well as for medical purposes.
The era of snow wells was from the 16th to 19th century. After that time electrical reffigeration was used and the snow wells were abandoned. The climate has also changed, and there would not now be enough snow to use the wells. During the era of the snow wells the commerce of snow was a lucrative business, and the impressive remains are an important reminder of this.
There are exceptional examples in the Sierra Aitana, Serrella, Montcrabrer and Montejdor. You can visit many of these on our walking holidays
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Rentonar Well Rentonar Well
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Large well near Partagat Large well near Partagat
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Rentonar Well interior - Sierra del Plans Rentonar Well interior - Sierra del Plans
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Well on Pla de la Casa (Serrella) Well on Pla de la Casa (Serrella)
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Shallow well on the Aitana Shallow well on the Aitana
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Well on Pla de la Casa (Serrella) Well on Pla de la Casa (Serrella)
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DIagram of a tyical snow well DIagram of a tyical snow well
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Costa Blanca Snow Costa Blanca Snow
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Costa Blanca Snow Costa Blanca Snow
https://spanish-walking.com/historical/costa-blanca-snow-wells#sigProId98d9bdd745