Pipa Dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Santarém > Coruche > Foros do Zebro > Zona de Foros do Zebro

Location

The Pipa Dam is located in a quiet, rural landscape in the Foros do Zebro area, within the municipality of Coruche. Its position is set within a countryside environment, offering an atmosphere of serenity and an unobstructed view of the natural surroundings. It is a place that harmoniously integrates into the characteristic landscape of this region of Ribatejo.

Access to the dam is within the locality of Foros do Zebro, allowing for a direct connection to the surrounding natural environment, far from the hustle and bustle of more urbanized areas. Its presence is a distinctive element in the local scenery.

The Water Mirror

The reservoir of the Pipa Dam is notable for its relatively shallow depth. This particular characteristic makes the water's surface a true mirror, sharply reflecting the sky, clouds, and the vegetation on the banks.

This effect creates a visually appealing environment, where natural light plays with the water, changing the hue of the liquid mirror throughout the day. It is an invitation to contemplation and observation of the landscape's nuances that are mirrored in the dam's tranquility.

Natural Environment and Wildlife

The surrounding area of the Pipa Dam is an example of the typical flora and fauna of the Ribatejano montado (cork oak woodland) and its aquatic zones. The dam's banks and its vegetation serve as a refuge and habitat for various species that thrive in this ecosystem.

The constant presence of water attracts diverse forms of wildlife, including various species of birds that can be seen resting, nesting, or flying over the reservoir. Its waters are inhabited by fish such as carp and largemouth bass, contributing to the vitality and balance of the aquatic environment.

The Structure on the Terrain

The Pipa Dam is not just a body of water; it is also an engineering structure that shapes the local landscape. Its construction aimed at water retention, playing a functional role in the management of the region's water resources.

The way the dam rises and interacts with the surrounding terrain offers an interesting perspective on the adaptation of human engineering to the natural environment. Observing the structure itself allows for an understanding of its function and how it integrates into the physiognomy of the rural area of Foros do Zebro.

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