Pego do Altar Dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Setúbal > Alcácer do Sal > Pego do Altar

Location:

The Pego do Altar Dam is located in the town of the same name, in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal. It is built on the Alcáçovas Stream, one of the tributaries of the Sado River basin. This position gives it a vast natural surroundings, marked by the tranquility of the Alentejo landscape, ideal for those seeking a serene environment and an unobstructed view of the water and the surrounding fields.

A Landmark of Portuguese Engineering:

Inaugurated in 1949, the Pego do Altar Dam, initially known as Salazar Dam, represents a remarkable 20th-century engineering undertaking. Its construction's main objective was to harness water resources for the irrigation of large agricultural areas, particularly the rice fields of the Sado Valley, and for hydroelectric power generation. With a height of 63 meters, it was, at the time of its completion, one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe. This engineering feat was even recognized by being included in the selection of the hundred most relevant works of Portuguese Civil Engineering of the 20th century.

The Vast Reservoir and Its Curiosities:

The extensive Pego do Altar reservoir covers an area of approximately 876 hectares, becoming a point of interest for various outdoor activities, notably sport fishing. In addition to its scenic beauty and its role in local biodiversity, the reservoir holds an intriguing secret: an ancient 18th-century bridge. Normally submerged by the waters, this bridge becomes visible during periods of extreme drought, revealing a piece of history that time and progress have covered, providing a rare and fascinating sight.

Traces of an Industrial Past:

The construction of the Pego do Altar Dam was a large-scale undertaking that mobilized vast resources. For the transport of the tons of stone needed for the construction of the rockfill dam, a temporary railway line was created, connecting the Corte Pereiro quarry to the construction site. This line, approximately ten kilometers long and including tunnels and bridges, was essential for the project's success, transporting about 650 thousand tons of material over almost a decade. Although dismantled after the dam's completion, traces of its route can still be found in the landscape today, bearing witness to the effort and ingenuity that underpinned this great project.

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