Boroas Stones of Junqueiro

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Aveiro > Arouca > Arouca

Location:

At the heart of the Serra da Freita plateau, in the municipality of Arouca, lies the site of the Pedras Boroas do Junqueiro. This site is integrated into the vast natural landscape of the region, offering a serene environment and wide views over the plateau, which extends east of Albergaria da Serra.

Unique Geological Formations:

The Pedras Boroas do Junqueiro are granite blocks with rounded shapes that stand out in the landscape. Composed of the Serra da Freita Granite, these rock formations exhibit a peculiar geological phenomenon: their surface presents a network of polygonal fissures. This natural reticulation, with cracks only a few centimeters deep and irregular sides, gives the blocks a remarkable resemblance to the crispy crust of traditional corn bread (broas de milho), which gave rise to the name of the place. It is possible to observe here two of these imposing granite blocks, one of which appears slightly displaced from its original position.

Origin and Natural Evolution:

The genesis of the Pedras Boroas is the result of a complex set of geomorphological processes. Over millennia, the action of water, circulating through the rock fractures, and constant temperature variations contributed to the weathering and erosion of the granite. This process, which combines phenomena occurring both in the subsoil and on the surface, gradually shaped the rocks, sculpting the rounded forms and distinct fissures that can be admired today, testifying to the dynamics and strength of nature.

Surrounding Natural Environment:

The area surrounding the Pedras Boroas is characterized by a rich diversity of ecosystems. Next to some water lines, small peat bogs are formed, which are humid ecosystems resulting from the slow accumulation of plant matter, namely Sphagnum mosses. The dominant vegetation includes scrubland composed of heather, gorse, and carqueja. This environment is also home to insectivorous plants, such as sundew, and serves as a habitat for various species of dragonflies, as well as amphibians like the Iberian frog, the palmate newt, and the fire salamander. The plateau remains a grazing area, where it is common to see herds.

Paths and Discovery:

For those who wish to explore the surroundings of the Pedras Boroas and deepen their knowledge of the region, this geosites is part of the geotouristic trail PR15. Walking this trail offers a privileged perspective on the landscape and allows for the discovery of other natural and geological aspects of the Serra da Freita plateau, complementing the visit to these unique rock formations.

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