Ayuntamiento de Fayón / Ajuntament de Faió

Ayuntamiento de Fayón / Ajuntament de Faió is the town hall of the small municipality of Fayón (Catalan: Faió), in the province of Zaragoza, within the Bajo Aragón-Caspe region and right on the border with Catalonia. The town has around 380 residents and sits beside the Ribarroja reservoir, formed by the confluence of the Ebro and Matarraña rivers, roughly 150 km from Zaragoza. The building's bilingual name — Spanish and Catalan — mirrors the borderland identity of this corner of Aragón.

Where is the town hall and why is it notable?

The building stands in the center of present-day Fayón, a town that has not always occupied this spot. The original village was flooded in 1967 when the dam creating the Ribarroja reservoir was completed. Residents were resettled, and a new town — with its new town hall — was built on higher ground, out of reach of the rising water. The building therefore symbolizes the town's rebirth after a decision that completely reshaped its landscape and daily life.

What can you see nearby?

The most recognizable landmark in the area is the bell tower of the old San Juan church from the submerged village — it still rises above the surface of the Ribarroja reservoir and is visible both from boats and from nearby viewpoints. Close to the town's jetty, the remains of the old settlement and its castle ruins can be reached on marked footbridges and walking trails.

Worth a stop is the Mirador del Ebro, a viewpoint next to the Virgen del Pilar hermitage, offering sweeping views over the river, the reservoir, and the surrounding hills. A popular excursion is a boat trip aboard a traditional llaüt, departing from the La Reixaga jetty, passing through an old railway tunnel, and reaching the area of the drowned village, with a stop facing the emerged church tower.

Fayón is also a site of historical memory: in 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, the Republican 42nd Division crossed the Ebro here as part of the Battle of the Ebro. The local Battle of the Ebro Museum tells this story, while the "Caminos de historia viva" trail network — around 190 km in total, for walking or cycling — links historic sites with the valley's natural surroundings.

What is there to do on the Ribarroja reservoir?

With more than 200 km of shoreline, the area is a haven for anglers, who come here for catfish, carp, and black bass. The reservoir is also popular for water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and water skiing. Fayón's tourist office runs Sunday boat excursions that can be combined with a museum visit.

How to get there and when to visit?

Fayón lies on the road linking Caspe with Catalonia, about 150 km from Zaragoza and close to Mequinenza. Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit — temperatures are comfortable for hiking and boat trips, and reservoir water levels usually allow a clear view of the emerged church tower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors go inside Fayón's town hall? It is a working municipal administration building, not a sightseeing attraction in itself, but it serves as the town's central landmark.

Why is the old village of Fayón underwater? In 1967 the dam that created the Ribarroja reservoir on the Ebro was completed, flooding the valley along with the old village. Residents were resettled to a new, higher-elevation town.

How can you see the submerged village? The best options are a llaüt boat trip from the La Reixaga jetty or a visit to nearby viewpoints such as the Mirador del Ebro — the San Juan church tower is visible above the water.

Is signage in Fayón bilingual? Yes, due to its proximity to Catalonia, place names and some signage appear in both Spanish and Catalan.