Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Oliveira do Hospital > Penalva de Alva e São Sebastião da Feira > Formarigo
The Presépio do Alva (Alva Nativity Scene) is located in Formarigo, a small village that belongs to the locality of Penalva de Alva e São Sebastião da Feira, in the municipality of Oliveira do Hospital. It is situated on a verdant hillside overlooking the Alva Valley, in an area renowned for its natural beauty.
This privileged position gives the site an atmosphere of tranquility and a harmonious integration into the mountainous landscape, characteristic of central Portugal.
The heart of the Presépio do Alva is a remarkable granite outcrop, a rock formation of considerable size and unusual shape, sculpted by the action of nature over millions of years. This geosite stands out as a rare and highly valuable geological element in the surrounding landscape, considered unique in the region.
Its presence attests to the geological richness of the municipality of Oliveira do Hospital, offering a glimpse into the natural forces that shaped the territory over eons.
It is on this same granite outcrop that the "Presépio do Alva" (Alva Nativity Scene), a unique sculpture, is found. Unlike a traditional nativity scene, this representation of the nativity was entirely sculpted into the rock itself, taking advantage of its natural texture and forms.
This integration of art into the geological landscape gives the site a distinct character, where human creativity merges with the grandeur of nature.
Beyond its geological and artistic value, the Presépio do Alva offers a wide perspective over the surrounding area. From this point, it is possible to contemplate a beautiful panoramic view over Penalva de Alva and the landscape extending through the valley.
The combination of the rock outcrop with the expansive view creates a memorable setting, inviting contemplation of the natural environment and the villages nestled on the slopes of the Alva Valley.
The importance of the Presépio do Alva is not limited to its intrinsic beauty; this site has been recognized for its value within the region's heritage context. In 2011, it was one of the candidates for the "7 Wonders of Cultural and Environmental Heritage of the Municipality of Oliveira do Hospital".
This distinction underscores the site's relevance as a point of cultural and environmental interest, valued by the local community for its natural history and uniqueness.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.3209861,-7.8366115
Coordinates DMS: 40°19'15.5"N 07°50'11.8"W
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