Category: Civil Architecture > Dam
District: Portalegre > Campo Maior > Campo Maior
The Caia Dam is located in an area encompassing the municipalities of Campo Maior, Elvas, and Arronches, in the district of Portalegre. It was built on the River Caia, giving rise to the largest reservoir in the entire district.
This vast body of water is located near the town of Campo Maior, in an area where the Alentejo landscape stretches widely, offering an interesting contrast between the plains and the presence of water.
The most distinctive feature of this place is the enormous reservoir created by the dam. Being the largest in the district of Portalegre, its volume of water and its extent are impressive, creating a significant aquatic landscape in the region.
The vast surface of the reservoir reflects the Alentejo sky and light, providing wide views and moments of contemplation. Its size allows it to stretch for several kilometers, modifying the local geography.
The Caia Dam is notable for its mixed construction. A significant part of the structure, located in the deepest part of the valley, is built of concrete, using a system of buttresses to ensure its solidity.
Additionally, the dam features an earthfill section on the left bank of the River Caia. This combination of engineering techniques allowed for the creation of a robust barrier capable of retaining the large volume of water needed for its intended purposes.
The construction of the Caia Dam played a crucial role in the region's development. Its main objective from the outset was to ensure the supply of water for human consumption in the municipalities of Elvas and Campo Maior, a vital need in a dry climate zone.
Additionally, the reservoir proved fundamental for the irrigation of agricultural land, contributing to increased productivity and crop security. This undertaking, inaugurated in 1967, represented a strategic investment for the economic and social future of this part of the Alentejo.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.99957181602191, -7.145260398491755
Coordinates DMS: 38°59'58.5"N 07°08'42.9"W
On-duty Pharmacy Campo Maior
