Vale do Gaio Dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Setúbal > Alcácer do Sal > Torrão > Vale do Gaio

Location

The Vale do Gaio Dam is located in the Vale do Gaio area, in the locality of Torrão, within the municipality of Alcácer do Sal. It stands on the bed of the Xarrama River, in a setting that embraces the tranquility of the Alentejo landscape. Its natural surroundings, marked by a vast expanse of calm waters and surrounding green areas, invite a moment of serenity and contemplation.

An Engineering Work

Also known as the Engenheiro Trigo de Morais Dam, this hydraulic structure was designed in 1936 and became operational in 1949. It is an embankment dam, built with earth and rockfill, notable for its robustness and size. Above the natural ground, the dam reaches a height of 34 meters, extending for a crest length of 368 meters. Its construction had as main objectives irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, contributing significantly to the region's development.

The importance of the Vale do Gaio Dam in the landscape of Portuguese civil engineering is recognized, having been selected by the Ordem dos Engenheiros (Portuguese Association of Engineers) to be included in the book "100 Civil Engineering Works of the 20th Century". This recognition underscores the dam's role in the history of the country's progress and its relevance as an example of Portuguese engineering.

The Reservoir Landscape

The reservoir of the Vale do Gaio dam features a vast water surface, measuring about 5.5 square kilometers, and a considerable storage capacity. Its calm waters reflect the sky and the surrounding vegetation, creating a particularly inviting environment. The location offers an atmosphere of tranquility, ideal for those seeking a peaceful outdoor stroll or leisure moments in direct contact with the serene nature that characterizes this area of Alentejo.

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