Odelouca Dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Faro > Monchique > Alferce

Location

The Odelouca Dam is located in the village of Alferce, within the municipality of Monchique, in the interior of the Algarve. This location is enveloped by the serene landscape of the Ribeira de Odelouca, a tributary of the Arade river. The area is characterized by a vast and tranquil natural environment, fed by small watercourses that originate in the Monchique mountains, contributing to its beauty and serenity.

An Engineering Landmark

The Odelouca Dam is a remarkable example of engineering and one of the largest embankment dams in Portugal. With a maximum height of 76 meters above its foundation and a crest extending for 418 meters, its scale is truly impressive. The construction is of the zoned earth-fill with clay core type, a technique that gives it great solidity. For its construction, materials predominantly collected on site, such as shales, greywackes, and clays, were used, which allowed for a harmonious integration of the structure into the surrounding natural landscape.

The Imposing Reservoir

The reservoir formed by the Odelouca Dam covers a vast area of approximately 7.8 square kilometers, creating a considerable body of water in the midst of the mountains. This body of water is a distinctive and visually impactful element of the landscape. More than just a scenic backdrop, the reservoir plays a crucial role, constituting one of the main sources of potable water supply for the entire Algarve region, underscoring its fundamental importance for the community and the local ecosystem.