History

The Cachão da Valeira

For centuries, the Cachão da Valeira obstructed navigation on the Douro. Rock and changes in the river’s level made it difficult for boats to travel east.

A rabelo boat loaded with pipes on the Douro, sweep oar raised — period photograph, Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Between 1780 and 1791, demolition works opened the passage. Navigation could extend upstream to Barca d’Alva, creating conditions for vineyard expansion in the Douro Superior.

Rabelo boats carried wine in casks. The journey remained demanding, but the territory to the east became more accessible to the Douro’s trading routes.

Source

Sources: APDL — Douro Waterway.