Photos: Earth >> Europe >> Portugal >> South >> Beja

Register

  << Previous Next >>

Bigest dam in Europe


Bigest dam in Europe
Photo Information
Copyright: Armando Lourenco (aofl) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 58 W: 3 N: 79] (998)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-20
Categories: Nature
Camera: Nikon D300, Nikon 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VRDX
Exposure: f/18.0, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-06-07 9:05
Viewed: 549
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Alqueva dam is a dam located at the Guadiana river in the Alentejo region. The reservoir is Portugal and Western Europe's largest.

The complex project was made to produce hydroelectric power, irrigation for farms in the surrounding area, as well as a large reservoir where several tourist ventures are also being built. Alqueva, a village of about 350 inhabitants, gives the project the name. It is the site of the biggest ostrich farm in Portugal.

The Alentejo is the driest and hottest region in Portugal. Persistent droughts are a problem. The climate and a lack of infrastructure has impeded economic development and isolated the area from the national and European economies.

During the 1950s, the Portuguese dictator, António de Oliveira Salazar, ordered a study of the feasibility of the dam project. The potential benefits of the Alqueva dam were discussed for decades. An initial effort was undertaken after the Carnation Revolution of 1974, but it was abandoned in 1978. The Portuguese government eventually made a firm decision to build the dam in the 1990s, during the Cavaco Silva and António Guterres governments.

Aldeia da Luz, a small village that lay in the projected flood zone of the dam, was completely rebuilt on a new site.

On February 8, 2002, the 96 metre high floodgates of the Alqueva dam were closed. In 2006 the lake was filled to the planned level, with a surface area of 250 km².[2] It is the largest artificial lake in Western Europe.

In 2004, the hydroelectric power station started to work, with a capacity of 240 megawatt. In 2025, the lake should supply irrigation water for 1,100 km² in the Alentejo.
The lands around the Alqueva lake offer unique sensations and opportunities to visitor, investors, persons are looking to establish a new existence or want to find the right place for retiring.
In a breathtaking way the "new" water is embedded in the landscape very naturally and offers an environment free of any pollution. For the tourist the visit of the small villages like Amieira, Alqueva and Estrela directly on the water is a wonderful destination, where a lot of activities can be done: boat trips, sailing, horse riding, swimming, fishing... Visitors wanting to enjoy archaeological and architectonic patrimony can visit Alandroal, Portel, Monsaraz, Juromenha and Terena.
Kielia, tiagoalmeida, AiresSantos, jmdias, tolis68, MDL, Silvio1953 has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekEarth members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekEarth members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Hi Armando,
a very impressive composition and a strong contrast between the light shining on the sand and the greyish of water and sky.
The note is very interesting too.
Thank you for sharing
and best regards
Harriet

olá Armando
gosto bastante desta paisagem que nos apresenta hoje, só é pena o céu não estar azul mas isso não podemos fazer nada. parabéns
tiago almeida

Hi, Armando,
A wonderful composition and the tree is a crucial element of it.
TFS
Valerka:)

OLa Armando
as cores e a perspectiva estao excelentes. O ambiente é admiravel e o contraste entre cores muito bonito
Cumprimentos e bom fim de semana
Aires

Hello Armando.Great synthesis,great light and dramatic sky.

Hi There:

I was in Portugal three years ago. That's why it's in my heart.

I love this picture. So serene. Thanks for sharing

Josh

Hi Armando, fascinating composition with superb sky, very well done, ciao Silvio

particularly how the sky view and water s presence look alike is a good concept they both look equally gray. relaxing and enjoyable scenery in my opinion.

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF