Category: Nature > Park
District: Coimbra > Soure > Senhor das Almas > Parque dos Bacelos
Bacelos Park is located in the town of Soure, in the municipality of the same name, and boasts a unique geographical feature: it is situated on an island formed by the Arunca and Anços rivers. This position, south of the town's urban area, lends it a particularly serene atmosphere and a landscape setting dominated by water and vegetation.
The confluence of the two rivers, Arunca and Anços, which flow through the town, is one of the striking elements of its location, with the park extending between the old town bridge and Rotunda da Nora.
This park, covering an area of 51,076 square meters, is a space of rare natural beauty, where the reflective surface of the dam's water and abundant green vegetation combine to create an appealing environment. Formerly, this riverside area was known for its fertility and agricultural fields. Currently, it has been transformed into a place that values the environmental, landscape, and faunal surroundings, inviting contemplation and enjoyment of nature.
The constant presence of the surrounding water from the Arunca and Anços rivers significantly contributes to the tranquil and leisure-friendly environment, offering a different perspective on people's relationship with Soure's waterways.
Bacelos Park offers various infrastructures that promote well-being and the practice of recreational activities. A circular cycle path, 757 meters long, stands out, running along the periphery of the park next to the river banks. This bidirectional path, with an asphalt surface, is flat and presents a very low difficulty level, making it accessible to everyone and ideal for bike rides or walks.
In addition to the cycle path, the park includes a picnic area, a skate park, a sports court, and a garden, as well as pedestrian paths that invite exploration of the space. The abundance of water also allows for the practice of sport fishing and canoeing, enriching the available leisure options.
In Bacelos Park, visitors also find elements that refer to recent history and the importance of environmental conservation. Among the points of interest is a "Chaimite," a military vehicle with symbolic significance linked to the Revolution of April 25, 1974. Its presence invites reflection on important moments in Portuguese history.
Additionally, a recreation of an otter has been installed in the park, with the aim of raising awareness for the preservation of the environment and local fauna. The park also hosts events such as the PANGEIA festival, which annually seeks to alert the community, particularly the youth, to issues related to the environment and climate change.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.056688121429, -8.6284050392857
Coordinates DMS: 40°03'24.1"N 08°37'42.3"W