Molhe Norte da Barra do Douro

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Porto > Porto > Foz do Douro > Passeio Alegre

Privileged Location

The North Jetty of the Douro Bar is located at the Mouth of the Douro, an emblematic area of Porto, precisely in the vicinity of Passeio Alegre. Its position is strategic, marking the exact point where the Douro River meets the vast Atlantic Ocean. From this location, visitors can observe the fascinating dynamics of the bar, where fresh and saltwater mix, and enjoy wide views of the sea and the river mouth, with various vessels entering and exiting.

A Resilient Engineering Masterpiece

This imposing structure is a remarkable example of modern engineering. Built with considerable volumes of concrete and tons of steel, the jetty was designed to withstand nature's most intense forces. Its robustness was recognized in 2009, when it received the prestigious Secil Engineering Award, a distinction that underscores its remarkable ability to withstand the direct action of waves, storms, and sea currents. Its presence is, therefore, a testament to technical capability and interaction with the natural environment of the mouth.

Guardian of the Bar and Coast

More than a landscape feature, the North Jetty plays an essential role in the safety and maintenance of the Douro bar. It is crucial for protecting the river entrance, ensuring the safe navigation of vessels circulating between the estuary and the ocean. Additionally, this structure acts as a protective shield for adjacent marginal areas, such as Cantareira and Passeio Alegre, defending them from the destructive action of waves and currents. It also contributes to the natural self-cleaning of the channel, optimizing depth conditions for maritime traffic.

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