Arnoia River Dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Leiria > Óbidos > Casais Brancos

Location

The Arnóia River Dam is situated in the tranquil locality of Casais Brancos, in the municipality of Óbidos, integrated into the natural landscape of the Leiria district. This is a place where human presence blends harmoniously with the surrounding rural environment. The development is positioned in a valley of the Arnóia River, offering a serene setting and broad views over the impounded waters and the verdant hills that embrace it, inviting contemplation and contact with nature.

Conception and Purpose

This dam is a notable civil engineering work that plays a crucial role in the management of the region's water resources. Its construction had the primary objective of controlling the flow of the Arnóia River and storing water, essential for supply and, crucially, for the irrigation of adjacent agricultural lands. The structure, although functional, integrates discreetly into the landscape, revealing a design that prioritizes its utility without neglecting its insertion into the natural environment.

Landscape Setting

The site of the Arnóia River Dam offers a peaceful environment, where the water mirror extends, reflecting the sky and the riparian vegetation. The surroundings are characterized by the serenity of the countryside, with flora typical of the region that varies with the seasons. This scenario provides a haven of tranquility, where one can appreciate the quietness of nature and how human engineering can coexist with natural beauty, creating a particular ecosystem that attracts various species of aquatic and terrestrial birds, visible to the attentive observer.

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