Escalvadouro Waterfall

Category: Nature > Waterfall

District: Castelo Branco > Vila de Rei > Aivado

Location

The Escalvadouro Waterfall is located in the village of Aivado, in the municipality of Vila de Rei. It is part of an area that shares its name, the Escalvadouro Waterfall zone. The waterfall is formed by the Ribeira do Lavadouro, also known as Ribeira das Trutas (Trout Stream), a watercourse that originates in the Serra da Melriça mountain range. The stream meanders through a rocky valley, where the landscape is shaped by the riverbed itself, giving the place a serene and nature-connected atmosphere.

The Natural Dynamics of the Waterfall

This waterfall is composed of two distinct and consecutive drops. The first, more imposing, descends about 15 meters, and near the escarpment on the left bank, it is possible to observe the remains of an old water mill. A little further down, the second drop complements the scene, with an approximate height of 5 meters. The water's force varies significantly throughout the year: after periods of intense rain, particularly in winter, the flow is vigorous and the "roar" of the water is noticeable. However, during the summer months, the flow decreases, offering a more tranquil aspect of the waterfall.

A Window into Geology and Persistence

The Escalvadouro Waterfall is a fascinating testament to geological processes in action. Its formation results from the contrast between different rock types: water sculpted the silicified sandstone, a more resistant rock, while schist, softer and more susceptible to erosion, was progressively worn away. This differential erosion created the sharp drops and steep slopes that characterize the waterfall. The schistose rock observed here is part of the Schist-Greywacke Complex, a sedimentary formation that originated millions of years ago. The persistence of water, even from a small stream, over eons, is what shaped this natural spectacle, making it a symbol of nature's capacity to transform the landscape.

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