Oceanic Pool of Azenhas do Mar

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Swimming Pool

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Azenhas do Mar

Location

The Azenhas do Mar Ocean Pool is located in the village of Azenhas do Mar, Sintra municipality, on the Atlantic coast. This structure is nestled at the foot of a cliff, framed by the picturesque white houses of the village that stretch up the slope towards the ocean. Its position allows for a privileged observation of the coastline and the dynamics of the sea.

Nearby, the Cameijo stream flows into the Atlantic, with the pool serving as one of its conduits to the ocean, which contributes to its unique environment. It is an accessible point, integrated into the unique landscape that characterizes this portion of the Sintra coast.

Design and Functioning

This natural pool, carved into the rock, is an example of human intervention harmonizing with the marine environment. It is fed by the Atlantic Ocean's own water, which at each high tide floods and renews its interior. One of the pool's peculiarities is the presence of water from the Cameijo stream, which flows through a small waterfall, mixing with the ocean's saltwater.

The pool's bed is also subject to a natural renewal process, with sand being deposited and removed by the force of the tides. Its dimensions, estimated at about sixty meters in length by fifteen meters in width, and a maximum depth of approximately one meter, allow for safe interaction with the marine environment, in visual contrast to the agitation of the waves outside.

Heritage and Resilience

The Azenhas do Mar Ocean Pool has a history dating back to the mid-20th century, having been created on the initiative of a local association. Over the decades, the structure has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of the persistent action of tides and marine currents, being periodically subjected to maintenance and rehabilitation work.

This constant need for adaptation and reconstruction, stemming from the powerful interaction with the ocean, underscores the enduring relationship between the local community and its coastal environment. The pool represents a testament to the human capacity to shape and coexist with the force of nature, remaining a central element of the village's identity.

Scenery and Environment

The location offers a setting of great scenic beauty, recognized by international publications. The view of the pool, with the village's white houses climbing the cliff and the vast Atlantic as a backdrop, invites contemplation. The interaction between the rock, the built structure, and the seawater creates an environment that is serene yet dynamic.

It is a point that inspires observation, whether by the way the sea renews the pool, or by how the waves can, at certain moments, project foam onto its surface. The general atmosphere is one of harmony between the natural element and human intervention, providing a space of interest and appreciation for the coastal landscape.

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