2000-Year-Old Portuguese Village Re-emerges From Under Water; It Drowned 50 Years Ago
Located in the Ger那s National Park, the village was submerged in 1972 following the construction of a dam, which flooded the valley and created the reservoir. For decades, Vilarinho da Furna lay hidden beneath the waters, preserved in a state of underwater suspension.
In a remarkable discovery, the ancient village of Vilarinho da Furna has resurfaced from beneath the waters of a reservoir in northern Portugal. Dating back over 2000 years, this archaeological marvel offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
"Vilarinho da Furna", submerged village, in the north of Portugal. pic.twitter.com/QaaiUQ65wm
〞 Miguel Lapa (@MiguelLapa11) September 29, 2022
Vilarinho da Furna
Located in the Ger那s National Park, the village was submerged in 1972 following the construction of a dam, which flooded the valley and created the reservoir. For decades, Vilarinho da Furna lay hidden beneath the waters, preserved in a state of underwater suspension. Then, the village of Vilarinho da Furna gained prominence as a tourist destination following the establishment of a museum in S?o Jo?o do Campo by the municipality of Terras de Bourno in 1981.
The museum, constructed with stones sourced from two submerged houses of the drowned village, showcases a diverse collection including clothing, agricultural implements, and paintings illustrating the daily life of Vilarinho da Furna's former inhabitants.
Drowning of the portugese village
According to a report by Atlas Obscura, Vilarinho da Furna met its watery fate due to the construction of a dam on the Rio Homem River, a project initiated in 1967. This ambitious hydroelectric endeavor aimed to harness the river's power to generate electricity for the surrounding area.
Positioned near the downstream of the river, the village was home to nearly 300 residents residing in 80 houses, distributed among 57 families.
When the people of the area protested against this, the Portugal Electricity Company offered some money to the villagers to leave their houses. But, the amount offered was insufficient to meet their basic needs, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
According to reports, the villagers collectively received a total of 20,741,607 escudos, the currency of Portugal at that time. Fearing the potential consequences of releasing water from the dam, the hydroelectric company instilled fear in the villagers, warning them of the possible aftermath.
This tactic led to a gradual exodus from Vilarinho da Furna, with residents departing daily as the water level continued to rise. Eventually, as the situation became increasingly dire, the remaining villagers made a hasty departure overnight, salvaging whatever belongings they could carry.
By 1971, the last inhabitant had left the village, marking the end of Vilarinho da Furna's occupation. As the construction progressed, the village became inundated by the rising waters, ultimately leading to its submersion beneath the reservoir created by the dam.
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Re-emergence of the 2000-year-old village
However, due to a recent drought, the water levels in the reservoir have significantly receded, revealing the ruins of the ancient village. The emergence of Vilarinho da Furna has sparked widespread interest among archaeologists, historians, and locals alike.
Evidence suggests that Vilarinho da Furna was inhabited as early as the Iron Age, with the village reaching its peak during the Roman era. The discovery of pottery, tools, and other artifacts provides clues about the village's economy, trade networks, and social organisations.
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