Covão dos Conchos

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Guarda > Seia > Sabugueiro > Maciço Central

Location

Covão dos Conchos is located in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Central Massif, near the locality of Sabugueiro, belonging to the municipality of Seia. Nestled in an altitude landscape, this point of interest is reachable after a hike on mountain terrain that begins next to Lagoa Comprida. The surroundings are marked by the vastness of the mountain horizons, where granite formations and low-lying vegetation, characteristic of high mountains, dominate.

The Singularity of the Structure

In the center of an artificial reservoir, a water drainage structure stands out, assuming a peculiar funnel-like shape. This ingenious construction, dating back to the 1950s, is part of the Serra da Estrela hydroelectric system. Its function is to allow the waters contained here to be channeled to Lagoa Comprida, integrated into the same system. Observing the water "disappearing" into the funnel creates a visual illusion that captivates visitors.

The Encounter Between Nature and Engineering

Covão dos Conchos is a remarkable example of how human intervention integrates into the natural landscape of the mountains. The reservoir, which blends with the mountainous environment, serves as the stage for this engineering work, giving the place a particular interest. The curious shape of the structure, combined with the tranquility of the water and the grandeur of the surroundings, invites a prolonged observation and reflection on humanity's capacity to shape the natural environment.

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