Barragem da Bravura (Barrage of Bravery), Lagos

Located just 15 km north of Lagos in the district of Faro, the Barrage of Bravery (Barragem da Bravura) is a striking concrete arch dam that has played a critical role in regional water management since its completion in 1958. Built on the Odeáxere stream, the dam was originally designed in 1955 to supply water for agricultural use but has since expanded its function to provide for public consumption, including tourism facilities such as hotels and golf courses.

The Bravura Dam is a concrete vaulted arch structure, standing 41 meters above its foundation (36 meters above natural terrain) and extending 150 meters in length, with a width of 5 meters at its crown. The dam features a Biodiversity Station, which offers visitors a scenic route through Mediterranean scrubland and along the watercourse, providing an opportunity to observe local fauna, including the striking monarch butterfly.

Water extraction is carried out through a 670-meter-long tunnel that leads to an energy dissipation chamber, where flow regulation takes place. The bottom discharge mechanism operates through a flat sliding gate reinforced with internal steel plates, controlled both manually and remotely. Meanwhile, the flood spillway, located at the dam’s central block, functions without floodgate control, ensuring efficient water dissipation through a designated basin.

The dam, inaugurated on May 10, 1959, initially served agricultural irrigation but later became crucial for public supply, especially with Algarve’s growing tourism. From 2023, agricultural supply was halted, sparking criticism from farmers. In response, authorities discussed urgent measures in 2024–2025, including links to Santa Clara Dam, leak prevention, desalination projects, and mandatory wastewater reuse for golf courses to ease freshwater demand.

Despite its functional role, Bravura Dam offers a peaceful retreat in the Algarve’s rolling countryside. Its striking turquoise waters contrast with the surrounding hills, attracting hikers and nature lovers. A vital water infrastructure, it stands as a mid-century engineering feat, adapting to the modern challenges of climate change and water scarcity.