Vicar's Fall

Category: Nature > Waterfall

District: Faro > Loulé > Alte

Location

The Queda do Vigário is located in the town of Alte, part of the municipality of Loulé, in the Algarve region. It is situated on the course of the Alte Stream, in an area that preserves a natural environment despite its relative proximity to the town centre.

Access to this site generally involves a short walk from the more urbanised area of Alte, heading down towards the stream bed where the waterfall is formed.

Natural Formation and Characteristics

The central feature of this site is its distinctive waterfall, measuring around 5 to 6 metres in height. This unique waterfall is formed over tufa rock, a type of porous rock resulting from the gradual deposition of minerals dissolved in the water, which solidify over time on materials such as plants and stones.

The water that feeds the Queda do Vigário comes from the springs of the Alte Stream, supplied by a major underground reservoir in the region. The interaction of this carbonate-rich water with the air is what triggers the progressive formation of the tufa, constituting an interesting geological process visible at this location.

Historical Legacy and Human Use

The history associated with the Queda do Vigário suggests that its current configuration dates back to the 17th century. Records indicate an intervention by Duarte de Melo Ribadeneyra, possibly with the aim of diverting the water for agricultural purposes, specifically for irrigating nearby orchards.

This historical intervention means that the waterfall can be seen as a feature that, in addition to its natural beauty, also incorporates traces of human construction, linking the site to the history of water resource management by the local community over the centuries.

Environment and Enjoyment

At the base of the waterfall, the water forms a small weir or natural pool. This pool of water and its surroundings create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere for relaxation, especially during the months when the stream's flow is more abundant.

An adjacent grassy area offers visitors a space to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the falling water, making it a popular spot for those seeking serene contact with nature in the Algarve's interior.

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