Category: Nature > Woodland
District: Coimbra > Arganil > Benfeita > Pardieiros
It is located on the slopes of the Serra do Açor, between 600 and 850 meters of altitude. It is part of the Serra do Açor Protected Landscape and has been protected since 1979. This area covers 382 hectares and is recognized as a Biogenetic Reserve by the Council of Europe.
The Mata is a rare example of the original deciduous forest (forest that loses its leaves in the fall) of Portugal. The main species include oaks, chestnuts, cherry trees, elms, ash trees, and laurel trees. There are also various plants and shrubs, such as hazel trees and strawberry trees, as well as rare plant species, such as the Turk's cap lily.
The diversity of flora includes 74 species of mushrooms, which attracts visitors interested in nature and botany.
The Mata was severely affected by the 2017 fires, with almost half of the area destroyed. However, recovery is underway, and nature is already regenerating.
In 2020, the insect "chestnut gall wasp" was identified, which affects the chestnut trees of the Mata, being a current concern for the preservation of these trees.
The Mata da Margaraça has an ancient history, with the first record dating back to the 13th century. The wood from this forest was used to build the altarpiece of the Igreja da Sé Nova in Coimbra. In 1985, it began to be managed by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mata_da_Margaraça
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.216456794837306,-7.919333418499784
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'59.2"N 07°55'9.6"W
Weather Benfeita
On-duty Pharmacy Benfeita
