Real Dam

Category: Nature > Weir

District: Santarém > Torres Novas > Torres Novas > Salvador

Location

The Açude Real (Royal Weir) is strategically located in the heart of Torres Novas, alongside the waters of the Almonda River. Its presence marks a vital connecting point between the river's natural environment and the city's urban fabric. This location offers direct contact with the river's power and the tranquility of its surroundings, providing a unique perspective on the interaction between nature and urban development.

Legacy of Energy

This site is intrinsically linked to a pioneering period in Torres Novas' history regarding the production and distribution of electrical energy. From the first decades of the 20th century, the force of the Almonda River's waters was harnessed here to light up the city. The infrastructure developed at this point was fundamental for the technological and social advancement of the municipality, ensuring the supply of electricity and profoundly marking the life of the community. It was a hub of innovation and development that shaped daily life in Torres Novas for several decades.

Memory and Heritage

At the site where the Açude Real played its vital role, the industrial heritage resulting from the transformation of hydraulic power has been carefully preserved. Here it is possible to see original machinery, such as turbines and thermal engines, which bear witness to the electricity production process. The space also serves as a repository of the memories of the men and women who worked in this undertaking, whose testimonies contribute to the rich history of the site. These tangible elements and human stories invite reflection on the engineering and dedication that drove the development of Torres Novas throughout the last century.

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