Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Torres do Mondego > Carvalho
The Serra do Carvalho rises as an elevated point in the central region of Portugal, situated in a transition area encompassing the municipality of Coimbra, where the village of Carvalho and the locality of Torres do Mondego are found, and the municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares. Reaching altitudes of around 450 to 495 meters above sea level, the mountain range is one of the most prominent elevations in the area, offering a wide view over the surrounding landscape of hills and valleys.
Characterized by a distinct orography, the Serra do Carvalho is shaped by a schist-greywacke geology, which gives its landscape a particular appearance. The surroundings are dominated by a succession of hills and valleys, creating scenes of great natural beauty. From the highest points, the gaze extends over a green panorama, where nature presents itself in its pure state, inviting contemplation and contact with the mountain environment.
This mountain range is also a place of deep historical memory. On July 1, 1955, it was the scene of a tragic air accident that marked Portuguese military aviation, involving the crash of eight Portuguese Air Force aircraft and the loss of their pilots' lives. In honor of these aviators, a significant monument was erected at the site. This commemorative complex includes a stone cross, whose design is visible from above, and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Air, perpetuating the memory of the event. Annually, the date is marked with a ceremony that gathers military personnel and the local community, keeping the tribute alive.
For nature lovers, the Serra do Carvalho reveals a rich diversity. Extensive native forests of Pyrenean oak, Portuguese oak, and pedunculate oak are found here, interspersed with examples of holm oak and cork oak. The arboreal landscape is complemented by plantations of chestnut trees and pine trees, as well as, in some areas, eucalyptus. In the shrub layer, carqueja (Genista tridentata), prickly gorse, rockroses, and heather stand out, painting the mountain with their flowers. With some tranquility and attention, it is possible to spot fauna species such as wild boar, fox, red deer, roe deer, or common buzzard, which inhabit this preserved natural environment.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.2086907,-8.3234709
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'31.3"N 08°19'24.5"W
Weather Torres do Mondego
On-duty Pharmacy Torres do Mondego
