Category: Civil Architecture > Factory
District: Lisboa > Cadaval > Arieiro > Serra de Montejunto
The Royal Ice Factory is situated in the imposing Serra de Montejunto, an elevated point in the municipality of Cadaval, within the district of Lisbon. It is located near the village of Arieiro, in an area that, due to its altitude, offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape. This strategic positioning was crucial, as it allowed the factory to take advantage of the particular climatic conditions of the mountain range, essential for its primary activity.
Its integration into the mountainous environment gives the site a remarkable natural beauty, where human construction harmonizes with the verdant scenery and unobstructed views, inviting contemplation of the horizon.
The Royal Ice Factory is a landmark of Portuguese industrial heritage, likely erected during the 18th century. Its purpose was, as the name suggests, the production and storage of ice. In a pre-refrigeration era, this factory played a fundamental role in supplying this precious commodity to the capital. Ice was then used for various purposes, from food preservation and medicines to cooling beverages, being a luxury accessible only to the most affluent.
The designation "Royal" underscores the strategic importance and the crown's support in its construction and operation, revealing a period in history where human ingenuity and adaptability were crucial to overcome daily life challenges and satisfy the needs of society at the time.
The architecture of the Royal Ice Factory is a remarkable example of engineering adapted to its purpose. The structures that comprised this complex, often called ice houses or snow wells, were designed with the primary objective of thermal insulation. Built with robust local materials, such as stone, they featured specific characteristics for their function.
Their design allowed for the accumulation and compaction of snow and ice collected during the cold winter months. They featured systems for draining meltwater, ensuring the maintenance of low temperatures for as long as possible. These edifices are a testament to the capacity for innovation and the constructive intelligence of yesteryear, designed to efficiently control a natural resource.
The existence of the Royal Ice Factory is intrinsically linked to the natural conditions of the Serra de Montejunto. The altitude of the mountain range and its specific microclimate, with harsher and more humid winters, provided the snowfall and low temperatures necessary for natural ice production. The factory is not merely an isolated construction but rather a component of the mountain's ecosystem, depending on and utilizing its natural resources.
This location offers a unique perspective on the interaction between human activity and the natural environment, demonstrating how, in times past, dependence on natural elements was direct and fundamental for the development of certain industries. It is a point of interest that invites reflection on history, engineering, and our relationship with nature.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_Fábrica_do_Gelo
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.178193283362624,-9.050659075749865
Coordinates DMS: 39°10'41.5"N 09°03'2.4"W
Weather Arieiro
On-duty Pharmacy Arieiro
