Covão dos Conchos is an artificial lake in the Serra da Estrela mountains in Portugal that is famous for its Bell-mouth spillway.[1]
Covão dos Conchos | |
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Country | Portugal |
Location | Serra da Estrela mountains |
Coordinates | 40.3639°N 7.6109°W / 40.3639; -7.6109 |
Status | Non Operational |
Opening date | 1955 |
Dam and spillways | |
Spillway type | Bell-Mouth |
The spillway was built in 1955 with the aim of diverting water from Ribeira das Naves to Lagoa Comprida. It is a part of a hydro-electric dam system of Serra da Estrela.[2] This sci-fi-looking spillway was little-known until photos of the hole went viral in 2016.[3][4][5][6] Over the last 60 years moss and foliage has grown onto the mouth of the funnel, adding to its ethereal allure.[7] It has a height of 4.6 meters and has a circumference of 48 meters. The tunnel that collects the water is 1,519 meters long.[8]