Vilarinho da Furna: The submerged Portuguese village

Vilarinho da Furna, a former community village located in Campo do Gerês within the Terras de Bouro municipality, remains submerged beneath the Vilarinho da Furna reservoir. The village was flooded in 1971 to facilitate the construction of a dam, which was inaugurated in 1972. The dam stands 94 meters high and 400 meters long, utilizing the Homem River to generate hydroelectric power.

Historically, the village was home to approximately 270 residents who were relocated between 1969 and 1970. Known for its strong agricultural and communal traditions, the site's history is preserved through the Vilarinho da Furna Ethnographic Museum.

The ruins of the village, including old houses, walls, and paths, only become visible when the reservoir's water levels drop significantly, such as during periods of drought or intentional water release. Access to the site is typically via dirt paths, with limited vehicular access available during summer months subject to a fee.