Fratel Dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Portalegre > Nisa > Nisa

Location

Situated in the municipality of Nisa, the Fratel Dam is located at a notable point on the Tagus River. Situated between the famous Portas de Ródão (Gates of Ródão) and the confluence of the Ocreza River, this dam is set in what is considered the narrowest gorge of the Tagus. Its position offers a unique perspective on the landscape that the river has sculpted over time, marking a visual transition between the Alentejo and Beira Baixa regions.

Origin and Function

The Fratel Dam was completed in 1973 and its main objective is the production of electricity. With an installed capacity of 130 MW, it plays a crucial role in the national energy grid. Furthermore, its structure is fundamental for the management and regulation of the Tagus River's flow, contributing to flood prevention and the maintenance of a hydrological balance in the region. The dam rises 43 meters above natural ground, and its crest reaches an altitude of 87 meters.

Memory and Heritage

The construction of the Fratel Dam, while essential for energy production and river control, involved the submersion of important testimonies from the past. Its reservoir covered a considerable portion of the Tagus's rock carvings, which date back to prehistory and documented ancestral human presence on these banks. Similarly, a section of the old towing path wall, once used to assist river navigation, also became submerged. These aspects give the site a dimension that invites reflection on the interaction between modern engineering and historical and natural heritage.

The Surrounding Landscape

The site of the Fratel Dam offers a natural setting of great beauty. The Tagus River, as it passes through this narrow gorge, provides expansive views of the slopes and the vast body of water in the reservoir. It is a point where the scale of human engineering meets the grandeur of nature, creating an atmosphere of serenity. The landscape is dominated by the presence of the reservoir and the steep banks that stretch into the horizon, ideal for those seeking a space for outdoor contemplation.

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