Puntos de Interés
Infrastructure
The Vega Terrón International Pier
The Vega Terrón International Pier is strategically located at the confluence of the River Águeda and the River Duero, offering the only river port in Castilla y León with direct access to the sea. This quay, situated on the border with Portugal, is a tangible example of the evolution of maritime navigation on the peninsula. It is a symbol of the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and Spain.
This pier was conceived as part of a project initiated in the mid-19th century with the objective of enhancing the navigability of the Duero River. Although the Duero has been modified for navigability since the 16th century, the arrival of the quay did not take place until the 1860s. The lengthy wait was due to the significant challenges encountered in certain sections of the river, as well as the year-to-year fluctuations in the river's flow. Once the quay was constructed, river traffic increased significantly, prompting the decision to construct a railway line over the Duero to connect the two countries.
Until then, the Vega Terrón Pier was a vital link between Castilla y León and Oporto, situated 165 km away across the Duero River. It also served as a gateway for trade with other countries with access to the sea, including France and England. It was a common practice to transport products such as cereals, wine and machinery imported from England. However, the quay itself did not meet the required specifications for unloading goods, as it had a steep slope that made access to land difficult.
In the 1980s, a new quay was constructed to replace the original one, which only retained an esplanade connected by a ramp from the previous construction. At present, the Vega Terrón Pier is used for tourism. Its dimensions are 100 m long and 25 m wide. Vessels up to 80 metres in length and with a maximum draught of 3.7 metres can unload at this facility.