Category: Civil Architecture > Dam
Situated in the municipality of Serpa, in the vicinity of the locality of Pias, the Pedrógão Dam is built upon the Guadiana river. Its position offers expansive views of the characteristic Lower Alentejo landscape, where the vastness of the horizon and the serenity of the countryside dominate the scenery.
Inaugurated in 2006, the Pedrógão Dam is an imposing concrete structure, built as a gravity dam, rising to a considerable height above the riverbed. Its modern design plays a crucial role in the management of Alentejo's water resources, serving as a fundamental element in the irrigation system and electricity production. The dam is essential for stabilizing the flow of the Guadiana river downstream from the Alqueva Dam, allowing the latter to operate more efficiently.
The area surrounding the Pedrógão Dam and the reservoir itself are a relevant habitat for wildlife, particularly for species inhabiting the Guadiana river. Before the dam's construction, studies were carried out that identified the presence of various fish species, including autochthonous barbs and bogas, some of them endemic to the region. These investigations also revealed the migratory patterns that fish undertake within the river for reproductive purposes, seeking gravel-bedded areas further upstream for spawning. The dam, by influencing water flow, interacts with this delicate natural balance.
The quietude and scale of the Pedrógão Dam invite a pause in one's journey. It is a place where the scale of human work meets the grandeur of Alentejo's nature, creating a setting that invites observation. The vastness of the reservoir reflects the wide sky, and the murmur of water or the predominant silence offer a conducive environment to enjoy the calm and inherent beauty of this part of Alentejo.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.110306096137926, -7.629516996765058
Coordinates DMS: 38°06'37.1"N 07°37'46.3"W
On-duty Pharmacy Pias
