Category: Nature > Reserva natural
District: Évora > Alandroal > Terena > Tapada do Pateo
The Sacred Valley of Lucefecit is located near the town of Terena, in the municipality of Alandroal, situated in the area known as Tapada do Pateo. This valley embraces the final stretch of the Ribeira do Lucefecit, which meanders until its confluence with the Guadiana River. Its surroundings are predominantly rural and fluvial, characterized by a natural landscape that extends harmoniously across the territory.
Geographically, the valley is situated in the center of the Alandroal municipality, extending in the northwest-southeast direction. It is an area marked by the presence of the river and its tributaries, offering a tranquil and inviting setting for exploring the Alentejo.
This valley is an open book on human presence, with vestiges dating back to protohistory and prehistory. Along its slopes and banks, there are testimonies of remote times, such as antas (megalithic tombs), funerary structures, and examples of rock art that connect us to the first inhabitants of these lands. The density and diversity of these findings give the site remarkable archaeological value.
Roman influence is also visible through ancient mines, remnants of villas, and hillforts, demonstrating the strategic and economic importance of the region in later eras. This continuous use of the territory by various cultures has shaped a landscape with deep historical roots.
Since time immemorial, the Lucefecit Valley has been a place of worship and devotion. This collective spiritual dimension is unique and gives the valley the character of a "sacralized stage." Ancient sanctuaries developed here, such as the well-known Sanctuary of Endovélico, which attests to the presence of pre-Roman cults dedicated to nature deities.
Later, the presence of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Assunção da Boa Nova, among other sanctuaries and sacred springs, reinforces the continuity of this deep connection between the place and the faith of the communities that inhabited it, transforming it into a space of great spiritual significance over the centuries.
Beyond its notable cultural heritage, the Sacred Valley of Lucefecit is also an ecosystem of extraordinary environmental richness. Its biodiversity is unique, with biological and geological values of great relevance, making it a space of great natural interest.
The landscape is marked by the presence of cork oak and holm oak woodlands, which are protected habitats and an integral part of the Natura 2000 Network. This classification underscores the area's importance for the conservation of local flora and fauna, inviting moments of contemplation of the wild and preserved nature of the Alentejo.
The recognition of the Sacred Valley of Lucefecit as a Site of Municipal Interest, a classification granted unanimously, attests to its exceptional value. This designation not only honors its history and beauty but also establishes a Special Protection Zone aimed at safeguarding this rich cultural and natural heritage.
The inclusion of the valley in municipal valorization plans reflects the commitment to preserving its authenticity and richness, ensuring that its unique characteristics are maintained for future generations, in balance between human intervention and the preservation of the natural environment.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.625476041521, -7.4071597301131
Coordinates DMS: 38°37'31.7"N 07°24'25.8"W
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