White House

Category: Civil Architecture > Quay

District: Beja > Odemira > São Luís > Carrasqueira

Location

The place known as Casa Branca, or Portinho da Casa Branca, is serenely nestled on the right bank of the Mira River, in the Carrasqueira area. It belongs to the parish of São Luís, in the municipality of Odemira. Its position is privileged, being located within the protected area of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, which bestows upon its surroundings natural beauty and a preserved environment, where the river and landscape harmoniously merge.

Past and Legacy

Casa Branca is a living testament to a period of intense fluvial commercial activity. It functioned as a vital port for the region, especially in the first half of the 20th century. Its reinforced concrete quay, built between 1936 and 1937, served as a strategic point for the outflow of agricultural products, namely cereals, and also iron ore, which flowed downriver to the sea. Concurrently, it served as a gateway for essential goods, such as fertilizers. Its importance was such that during World War II, when road transport was paralyzed, this port maintained its crucial function, ensuring local supply and economy.

Character and Setting

Despite its former commercial function having diminished, Casa Branca remains a place of remarkable interest, inviting contemplation. The structure of the quay and the old warehouses, which once teemed with activity, now offer an atmosphere of tranquility and a glimpse into the past. It is a picturesque setting where history meets nature. The riverside surroundings, typical of the Natural Park, provide unobstructed views of the Mira River, an invitation to observe the local fauna and flora and to enjoy the serenity that the Alentejo Litoral offers.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt