Category: Nature > Reserva natural
District: Beja > Beja > Beja > Algramassa
The Mura da Prega is located in the Algramassa area, in the municipality of Beja. Situated amidst rural landscapes, about seven kilometers west of the city of Beja, this historic structure benefits from a tranquil and natural setting. A stream, which was once its tributary, currently flows nearby, underscoring the dam's integration with the surrounding rural environment.
This imposing structure is a remarkable testament to Roman engineering in Portugal. Built for the purpose of managing water resources, the Mura da Prega likely played a crucial role in irrigating surrounding agricultural fields and, possibly, in supplying a neighboring Roman villa. Its presence highlights the importance of the Beja region in the Roman period and the construction capabilities of ancient civilizations.
The dam reveals exceptional robustness, with its wall reaching over six meters in thickness. It was constructed with large blocks, arranged in densely joined layers, forming an almost straight line approximately sixty-two meters long. On the side facing the air, five buttresses are still visible, which served as structural reinforcement, demonstrating the solidity of its design. Although partially damaged, with a section that has slipped, the wall remains visible in some places up to four meters high, allowing a glimpse of its original scale.
The location of the Mura da Prega, in the heart of the Alentejo landscape, gives it a particular charm. The green vegetation that accompanies the stream's course contrasts with the open fields, creating an idyllic scene. It is a place that invites the observation of nature and reflection on the resilience of such an ancient work, harmoniously integrated into the environment that surrounds it.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.998983863636, -7.9483767545455
Coordinates DMS: 37°59'56.3"N 07°56'54.2"W
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