Stilt-House Villages in Portugal: Planning the Unplanned

Abstract

This paper explores the heritage value and planning challenges of stilt-house villages along the Tagus River in Portugal. Originally built by fishing communities, these vernacular wooden settlements embody a unique cultural and architectural legacy. Despite their historical and ecological significance, they remain unplanned within the Portuguese planning system, as they are located in flood zones, non-aedificandi areas, and protected agricultural or ecological land, with buildings considered illegal under current law. The paper highlights the tension between preservation of this distinctive riverine heritage and planning restrictions, calling for strategies that integrate ecological sensitivity with cultural identity.