Venda Nova Dam, Embankment dam in Braga, Portugal.
Venda Nova Dam is an embankment structure spanning across the Rabagão River in northern Portugal at an elevation of around 700 meters. The construction holds back a large body of water nestled within the mountainous terrain between multiple valleys.
Construction finished in 1948 as part of a major program to expand the country's power generation capacity. The project represented one of the first major efforts to harness hydroelectric potential in this region.
The reservoir sits in a region dotted with old mining sites and stone bridges that draw visitors interested in industrial heritage. The landscape around the water reflects the influence of multiple generations of engineers and workers.
The site is accessible via mountain roads, but weather at elevation can change quickly, so come prepared with appropriate gear. Best to visit from May through September when conditions tend to be most stable.
The structure includes an extensive underground tunnel system beneath its surface that serves different functions like water conveyance and internal support. This hidden infrastructure is larger than most of what visitors see above ground.
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