Picked from the Pias.

Category: Nature > Pool

District: Beja > Odemira > São Luís

Location

Pego das Pias is located in the municipality of Odemira, near the town of São Luís. This natural area is situated within a zone that follows the Torgal stream, a tributary of the Mira River. Its relatively isolated position contributes to an atmosphere of calm and serenity.

The Natural Essence

This place stands out for its natural beauty, largely untouched by human intervention. The landscape is characterized by a rocky setting that embraces the clear waters of the Torgal stream, showing remarkable purity. It is a place where nature reveals itself in its raw state, inviting contemplation and the enjoyment of a tranquil environment.

The "Pias" and Their Origin

The name "Pego das Pias" (Pool of the Pias) derives from the unique geological formations present at the site. The "pias" are circular cavities carved into the rock, resulting from the force of water that, through whirlpools formed over thousands of years, eroded and sculpted the stone. These natural pools, created by hydraulic erosion, retain the sweet and cold waters of the stream. In the center, a large rock emerges from the water, adding a striking visual element to this scenery.

Legends and Mysteries

Pego das Pias is a place enveloped in popular tales and legends, which add a dimension of mystery to its atmosphere. One narrative tells of a farmer who, to save his sick daughter, promised a yoke of oxen and a golden harrow to a saint. After the cure, the promise was not fulfilled, and the daughter is said to have been enchanted within Pego das Pias itself.

Another legend suggests that the Moors, fleeing from the Christians, hid a great treasure in the deep waters of the pool, guarded by an enchanted Moorish maiden. It is believed that this treasure can surface on Saint John's nights, when the waters acquire alleged healing properties. These accounts contribute to the magical aura of the place, stimulating the imagination of visitors.

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