Alagoa Well

Category: Civil Architecture > Well

District: Beja > Moura > Poço da Alagoa > Safara e Santo Aleixo da Restauração

Location

The Poço da Alagoa is situated in the homonymous locality, Poço da Alagoa, within the union of parishes of Safara and Santo Aleixo da Restauração, in the municipality of Moura, district of Beja. It is immersed in the characteristic Alentejo landscape, marked by the vastness of its plains and the presence of cultivated fields and montados (cork oak and holm oak forests), which create a scene of tranquility and deep connection to the land. Its location is intrinsic to the history of settlement in the area, reflecting the importance of water in the formation of rural Alentejan communities.

The Essence of an Alentejan Well

The Poço da Alagoa represents a significant example of civil architecture linked to water resource management, fundamental for life in Alentejo. In past eras, and even in more recent times, the existence of wells was crucial for supplying water to families, for irrigating small vegetable gardens, or for watering livestock. These places were sometimes more than mere collection points; they functioned as centers for social gatherings and interactions within communities, playing a central role in daily subsistence.

Construction Details

Structurally, the Poço da Alagoa is a work that stands out for its functionality and the simplicity of its lines. Although specific information about its construction is scarce, typically, wells of this nature are vertical excavations, lined internally with stone or brick masonry, to ensure their stability and the quality of the stored water. Its design reflects a practical and durable approach, using locally available materials and construction techniques adapted to the needs of its time and the surrounding environment.

A Legacy in the Rural Landscape

Beyond its primary function, the Poço da Alagoa constitutes a discreet, yet important, element of the Alentejan rural heritage. Its presence in the landscape evokes the memory of generations who depended on it, testifying to the dynamics of life and work that shaped these lands. It remains a symbol of human resilience and its capacity for adaptation to the environment, inviting reflection on the value of water and the legacy of structures that were once vital for the survival of communities.

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