Mata das Misericórdias

Category: Nature > Woodland

District: Coimbra > Arganil > Arganil > Bairro de Brunhós

Location

Mata das Misericórdias is located on the eastern slope of a hill, directly adjacent to the town of Arganil, within the urban area of Bairro de Brunhós. This position allows the site to function as a harmonious transition between the built environment and the surrounding nature. It is a space that invites tranquility and contact with the landscape, without the need for extensive travel for those in Arganil.

A Legacy of Nature and History

This forest area, covering around twenty to twenty-two hectares, has a unique history. Formerly known as "Mata do Hospital," its origin dates back to a donation made in 1881 by D. Maria Isabel de Melo Freire de Bulhões, known as the Countess of Canas. Her intention was to enable the construction of the first municipal hospital, which would eventually be established in her own stately home, commencing operations in 1886. This gesture of generosity shaped the identity of the place, which is now managed by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Arganil.

Ecological Diversity

Mata das Misericórdias is a remarkable example of biodiversity, with altitudes ranging between 180 and 255 meters. Its flora is rich and diverse, hosting native species such as oak, chestnut, and cork oak, alongside pines and cedars. There is also an abundant presence of strawberry trees, heather, rosemary, gorse, ferns, and mosses, which, throughout the seasons, paint the landscape with a panoply of distinct colors. Regarding fauna, the area serves as a refuge for mammals such as wild boars, foxes, squirrels, and bats, in addition to a wide variety of birds and insects. It is also possible to spot green frogs and various reptiles, including snakes and lizards, which underscores the ecological value of this ecosystem.

Environments for Well-being

This place offers various possibilities for those seeking a break from routine. By walking its pedestrian paths, it is possible to enjoy moments of relaxation and leisure, or opt for activities that promote physical fitness. The atmosphere is intrinsically quiet and revitalizing, ideal for a peaceful stroll. Along the Mata, there are also themed spaces and structures designed for visitors' enjoyment, such as the three outdoor amphitheaters that occasionally host cultural events, or the waterfalls which, besides beautifying the scenery, contribute to a cooler microclimate and the biological diversity of the site.

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