The Staircase Of The Varosa Dam: An Engineering Feat In Portugal
The Barragen de Varosa is located in the picturesque landscape of Lamego, Portugal.
This concrete arch dam was built in 1976 on the Varosa River, a tributary of the mighty Douro River.
The most striking feature of this structure is its maintenance access staircase, which stands as a testament to its innovative design and practical function.
The Stairs Of The Varosa Dam
The staircase is located on the west end of the Varosa Dam and is built on a series of concrete terraces.
They connect the dam to the natural rock formations of the valley, blending the man-made structure with the rugged landscape.
What makes these stairs stand out is their steepness and design.
The concrete terraces follow the sharp slope of the valley, making the stairs almost as steep as the rock face itself.
This design choice creates a visual harmony between the dam and its natural surroundings.
The concrete used for the stairs has a rough texture, mimicking the look of the granite rocks. This helps the stairs fit seamlessly into the environment.
The result is a staircase that not only serves a practical purpose but also enhances the beauty of the dam and the valley.
The Varosa River
The Varosa River, originating near the village of Tarouca, winds its way through the Portuguese countryside for about 45 kilometers before merging with the Douro River.
This river, though relatively short, plays a crucial role in the region’s hydroelectric power generation.
The Construction of the Varosa Dam
The Varosa Dam was constructed to utilize this natural descent for generating electricity.
Standing 76 meters tall and 213 meters long, the dam is relatively small compared to other hydroelectric power plants in Portugal, with a generation capacity of 24.7 megawatts.
