Calvos Oak Interpretive Center

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Calvos > Carvalho

Location

The Calvos Oak Interpretive Center is located in the town of Calvos, a parish in the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso. Situated in the area known as "Carvalho" (Oak), this space is set in a tranquil natural environment, a few kilometers from the center of the town of Póvoa de Lanhoso. Its location invites immersion in a landscape where nature is the protagonist, offering a serene setting for visitors.

The Monumental Oak

At the heart of this space stands the Calvos Oak, an imposing tree classified as being of public interest since 1997. Also known as Carvalha Grossa or Carvalha da Fondoua, this pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) is a remarkable specimen due to its longevity. It is estimated to be over five hundred years old, making it considered the oldest oak in the Iberian Peninsula and the second oldest in Europe. Its dimensions are impressive, with about 23 meters in height, a canopy that reaches 40 meters in diameter, and a trunk with a 10-meter circumference at chest height, bearing witness to centuries of history.

Nature and Learning

Inaugurated in 2005, the Calvos Oak Interpretive Center was created to deepen knowledge about this unique oak and the surrounding ecosystems. It serves as a starting point for exploring the importance of nature and the need for its conservation. Located within a natural park spanning approximately 3.1 hectares, it offers an ideal environment for leisure moments and outdoor contact. This site promotes activities aimed at environmental awareness, such as visits that introduce native species, thematic gardens, and local biodiversity, inviting all visitors to reflect on sustainability.

Symbolic Legacy

Throughout history, the oak has been a tree of great symbolism, associated with ancient rituals and recognized in the Iberian Peninsula as an emblem of strength and resistance. The Calvos Oak embodies this legacy, representing not only its extraordinary longevity but also the deep connection between nature and human culture. Its presence is an invitation to reflect on the importance of valuing and protecting natural heritage and the role of trees as living elements of our history.

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