Madre de Deus Forest Park

Category: Nature > Woodland

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Madre de Deus

Location

Situated in the Madre de Deus urbanization, in the city of Lisbon, this park is harmoniously nestled into the hillside that defines the Chelas valley. Its position, between the Madre de Deus neighborhood and Quinta do Ourives, gives it an organic insertion into the urban fabric, functioning as a green and accessible counterpoint to the built environment.

A Green Lung in the City

With an area of approximately five hectares, the Parque da Mata de Madre de Deus represents a significant effort in landscape recovery. Formerly an underutilized area, it has been transformed into a natural space that offers a valuable refuge from the urban hustle, providing an environment of tranquility and fresh air for its visitors. It is an example of how nature can be reclaimed and valued within the city limits.

Biodiversity and Natural Environment

The woods are an example of local botanical richness, housing various species of vegetation. It is possible to find native trees such as fresnos, olive trees (with their peculiar and intricate trunks), and carob trees, alongside species introduced over time, including stone pines, pepper trees, and eucalyptus. This vegetal diversity creates a green mantle that changes in hue according to the season. The park is also a sanctuary for birdlife, where the sounds of blackbirds, starlings, Sardinian warblers, robins, and finches can be heard, making it a prime location for birdwatching.

Scenic Routes and Panoramas

The park's paths meander along the natural slope of the terrain, offering a constant up and down under the protection of the trees' leafy canopies. These provide inviting shade, ideal for walks at any time of year. Along the routes, and more broadly from the amphitheater that descends towards the Quinta do Ourives neighborhood, sweeping views of the Chelas Valley, Alto Pina, and the Alto de São João cemetery are revealed, offering moments of landscape contemplation.

A Space for Socializing

In addition to its ecological and scenic function, the Parque da Mata de Madre de Deus has areas designed for socializing and leisure. A dedicated picnic area invites moments of pause with family or friends, immersed in nature. For those who enjoy more specific activities, there is also a petanque court. However, the true protagonist and main attraction of this park remains its exuberant arboreal mass, which invites the simple enjoyment of the natural environment.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt