Category: Archaeology > Dam
District: Vila Real > Chaves > Abobeleira > Vale de Anta
The Roman Dam of Abobeleira, also known as Outeiro da Porta, is located in the village of Abobeleira, which is part of the parish of Vale de Anta, in the municipality of Chaves. This remarkable structure stands at the mouth of the Sanjurge stream, in a setting that invites reflection on the scale and landscape that existed almost two millennia ago, when the waters extended over a considerable area.
This is an ancient engineering work, erected by the Romans approximately two millennia ago. Its main purpose was to ensure the supply of potable water to the Roman city of Aquae Flaviae, the current Chaves. There are also indications suggesting its use for water supply in washing operations at Roman mines that may have existed in the Outeiro Machado area. The dam is a testament to the Roman people's capacity and vision in water resource management.
The dam's impressiveness is visible in its remaining features. The structure consisted of a water containment dike approximately 17 meters high and with a total width of 7.2 meters. Its construction was remarkably robust, composed of four parallel walls, 60 centimeters thick, erected with granite blocks using the opus incertum technique, joined by opus caementicium, a Roman cementitious mortar. The foundation rested on notches made in the rock outcrop itself, and the internal space was filled with compacted earth and clay for greater solidity and waterproofing.
Despite the time elapsed, elements of this ancient dam are still visible. The abutments of the wall that once closed the valley transversely remain visible, allowing one to imagine the grandeur of the reservoir that formed here. In addition to the dam itself, it is possible to identify some remains of the terrestrial aqueduct that transported water from this point to the ancient Roman city, offering a perspective on the complex network of infrastructures that the Romans built.
The historical and archaeological relevance of the Roman Dam of Abobeleira is officially recognized. Since 1992, this structure has been classified as a Property of Public Interest, underscoring its value as cultural heritage and a testament to the Roman presence in the region.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.755631,-7.489435
Coordinates DMS: 41°45'20.3"N 07°29'22.0"W
Weather Abobeleira
On-duty Pharmacy Abobeleira
