Carrasqueira Stilt Pier

Category: Civil Architecture > Quay

District: Setúbal > Alcácer do Sal > Comporta > Carrasqueira

Location

The Carrasqueira Stilt Pier is located in the village of Carrasqueira, in the locality of Comporta, municipality of Alcácer do Sal. This site is situated on the banks of the Sado River estuary, an area of natural landscape that gives the pier a peculiar setting, directly influenced by the rhythm of the tides.

Its position by the water allows for observation of estuarine dynamics, from boats floating at high tide to the extensive mudflats that are revealed when the tide is low, creating scenarios that transform throughout the day.

Architecture and Popular Ingenuity

Dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, the Carrasqueira Stilt Pier is a remarkable expression of Portuguese popular architecture, recognized for its uniqueness in Europe. Its structure is composed of a complex network of wooden stakes, seemingly fragile and irregular in appearance, that rise from the mud to support the walkways and small fishing support huts.

This wooden labyrinth, ingeniously constructed to overcome the challenges of the estuarine environment, demonstrates the creativity and adaptation of local fishing communities, who found practical and aesthetically striking solutions for their daily needs.

An Active Fishing Port

The Carrasqueira Stilt Pier remains fully operational, fulfilling its original mission of serving as a landing stage for the region's fishing boats. Its design allows fishermen to access their vessels even during low tide, overcoming the difficulty of crossing the extensive mudflats that characterize the estuary.

Walking along the walkways, it is possible to observe fishing life in its authentic environment: small boats anchored, fishing gear organized in wooden huts, and the daily life of a community that lives from and for the river, a living testament to maritime traditions.

Photographic and Natural Setting

This site offers a distinctive visual experience, marked by its serene atmosphere and the constant play of the tides. The landscape, with its wooden walkways extending over the water or mud, provides rich and constantly changing backdrops, making it a prime spot for photography, especially during the sunrise or sunset.

Beyond its built beauty, the Stilt Pier is located within an important natural area. It is a privileged spot for observing the avifauna that inhabits the Sado Estuary, where various species of aquatic birds can be sighted, enriching the visit with the natural dimension of the surrounding environment.

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