Divor Stream

Category: Nature > Stream

District: Évora > Arraiolos > Arraiolos

Location

The Divor stream meanders through the rural landscape of the municipality of Arraiolos, nestled in the Central Alentejo region. Its course unfolds amidst the typical morphology of hills and valleys of the region, traversing landscapes of considerable isolation and natural beauty. It is in this tranquil environment, dominated by nature, that extensions of its riverbed and elements associated with its crossing can be found.

The stream's course develops through cork oak and holm oak woodlands, where the presence of these trees dominates the landscape. Some sections are accessible via trails that allow for the exploration of the surrounding natural environment, particularly in the area near the town of Arraiolos.

16th-Century Bridge

Crossing the waters of the Divor stream, in the vicinity of Arraiolos, stands an ancient bridge. This masonry structure, conjectured to date from the 16th century, historically served as a crucial crossing point on the road connecting Arraiolos to Pavia. Its robust construction was designed to ensure passage even during periods of high flow, standing out for its three perfect round arches and triangular cutwaters that skillfully resist the water's flow.

In recognition of its architectural and historical value, this bridge over the Divor stream has been classified as a National Monument. Its centuries-old presence is a testament to the importance these watercourses have played in trade routes and territorial connections over the centuries in the heart of the Alentejo.

Natural Environment and Biodiversity

As it passes through the municipality of Arraiolos, particularly in the more rugged areas, the Divor stream reveals a natural scene of particular interest. Shaped by erosion over millions of years, the stream winds through a geological fault, forming a riverbed that occasionally features small waterfalls. Even during the driest months of the Alentejo summer, certain points of the stream retain water reserves, serving as vital refuges for local wildlife.

The area surrounding the stream, which combines water with the Mediterranean woodland ecosystem, constitutes a habitat of high biological richness. It is possible to spot various animal species that depend intrinsically on this environment, such as amphibians (frogs), mammals (otters, foxes, rabbits, hares, deer, and wild boars), and a variety of birds (including grey herons, storks, and vultures). The characteristic flora includes tree species such as ash and oaks along the riverbanks, as well as aromatic shrubs like rosemary, complementing the typical Mediterranean woodland vegetation.

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