Palafitic Pier of Palhota

Category: Civil Architecture > Quay

District: Santarém > Salvaterra de Magos > Escaroupim

Location

The Palhota Stilt Pier is located in Escaroupim, a tranquil riverside village in the municipality of Salvaterra de Magos. It is situated on the right bank of the Tagus River, naturally integrating into the fluvial landscape. Its position offers a wide perspective over the river's course, in an environment that reflects the essence of Ribatejo.

The presence of the pier shapes a significant part of Escaroupim's identity, providing a vantage point for observing and contemplating life unfolding by the water.

Stilt Structure

This pier stands out due to its unique construction, built entirely on wooden stilts. This construction technique, adopted by communities that historically lived along the banks of the Tagus, had the main function of protecting structures from water level variations, especially during the river's seasonal floods.

The use of wood, a traditional and robust material, lends the pier remarkable authenticity and a visual appearance that echoes the fluvial constructions of yesteryear. Its elevation above the water makes it a visually striking element in the local landscape.

Avieiro Heritage

The Palhota Stilt Pier represents a link to the Avieiro culture, a way of life associated with the fishermen who settled along the banks of the Tagus. While some of the Avieiro houses in the region saw their original wooden foundations replaced by concrete pillars over time, the pier preserved its original stilt structure.

It is a testament to the resilience and adaptation of the riverside communities, serving as a point of reference that recalls the river's importance for the sustenance and traditions of these populations.

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