Castle Island

Category: Nature > Protected Area

District: Aveiro > Castelo de Paiva > Fornos

Location

The Castle Island, locally known as the Island of Loves, is isolated at the confluence of two important rivers: the Paiva and the Douro. Located in the town of Fornos, in the municipality of Castelo de Paiva, this islet offers a unique perspective on the surrounding fluvial landscape. Its strategic position allows visitors to enjoy broad panoramas of the riverbanks and the mountains that embrace this portion of the Douro.

It is a singular formation, one of the few islands in the course of the Douro River, which gives it a special character. Despite its modest size, with an altitude of about 29 meters and approximately 1400 square meters, it stands out for its scenic presence in the riverbed.

Name and Legend

The popular designation "Island of Loves" has its roots in an engaging local legend. It tells the story of a forbidden love between a young noblewoman and a humble farm laborer, whose tragic fate crossed paths in these waters. This romance, marked by secrecy and adversity, culminated in an outcome that, according to tradition, lent the island its romantic name.

Beyond the local legend, the name itself evokes the theme of love in Portuguese literature, through references that associate the place with ideals of paradise and encounter. Thus, the island transcends its physical form, becoming a symbol of stories and emotions that resonate through time.

Remnants of the Past

This small island holds the marks of a long history of human presence in its soil. Archaeological discoveries have revealed traces of occupation dating back to the Stone Age, between 5000 and 3000 BC, indicating that the site was frequented by very ancient communities. In the medieval period, the island assumed a defensive function, with the presence of a tower or fortification whose 12th-century foundations can still be observed.

In addition to its strategic importance, the Castle Island was also a space of devotion. The ruins of an ancient hermitage, from the 15th century, dedicated to São Pedro, which served as a place of worship, were found there. The recognition of its historical and cultural value led to its classification as an Immovable of Public Interest in 1977, safeguarding its heritage for future generations.

A Natural Refuge

The Castle Island is a refuge of wild nature, where vegetation grows luxuriantly and untouched. Maritime pines and Scots pines, oaks, olive trees, tamarisk trees, rushes, ash trees, and alder trees are some of the species that make up its flora, creating a green and serene environment. This natural setting invites the enjoyment of moments of quietude, far from the daily noise.

It is a place where one can hear the murmur of the river and observe wildlife. The beauty of the landscape, shaped by the confluence of the rivers, provides an inspiring place for contemplation and contact with nature. The island also offers a small sandy area, an invitation to enjoy the river waters and the tranquil atmosphere that pervades it.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt