Vale do Cobrão Dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Santarém > Benavente > Samora Correia

Location:

Situated in the Samora Correia area, integrated into the municipality of Benavente, the Vale do Cobrão Dam stands over the course of the Ribeira do Vale Cobrão stream. Its position is marked by the surrounding rural landscape, with gentle hills defining the horizon around the body of water.

Origin and Construction:

The construction of this dam dates back to 1982. It was a project driven by the historic Companhia das Lezírias, having been conceived with the primary objective of supplying water for irrigation of agricultural lands located downstream in the valley.

Structural Characteristics:

It presents itself as an embankment dam, built predominantly with earth. Above the natural ground level, its structure reaches a height of fourteen meters. The length of its crest, the upper part that can be traversed, extends for over five hundred meters, giving an idea of the scale of the work.

The Reservoir and Nature:

The reservoir created by the dam forms a vast expanse of water, with a surface area extending for about one square kilometer, storing a significant volume of water. Its waters are renowned for their good quality, as there are no polluting sources upstream. This aquatic environment and the surrounding banks, framed by gentle hills, create a suitable setting for nature observation. With some attention, it is possible to spot local fauna, such as rabbits, hares, mallards, or cormorants, and, with a bit of luck, perhaps catch sight of a fox.

Tranquility and Activities:

The Vale do Cobrão offers a refuge of serenity and invites a peaceful visit. It is a popular spot for sport fishing, attracting those seeking species like Largemouth Bass or Carp, known for their quality in these waters. The peaceful environment by the water's edge makes it a good place to spend relaxed time in contact with nature.

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