Douro Estuary Metamorphic Complex

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Senhora da Luz

Location

The Foz do Douro Metamorphic Complex is located in the city of Porto, specifically on its coastline. This area stretches between the historic Fort of São Francisco Xavier, known as Castelo do Queijo, and the imposing Felgueiras Mole, in the Senhora da Luz area. Its coastal position offers a prime setting, where the strength of the Atlantic Ocean meets the ancient earth, shaping a unique geological landscape by the sea.

Portugal's Oldest Rocks

In this location, it is possible to observe some of the oldest rock formations in Portugal. The complex is composed of a fascinating mixture of gneisses, metasediments, and amphibolites, structures that have been transformed over millions of years by intense geological processes, such as metamorphism. These ancient rocks, cut by Hercynian granites, tell a significant part of our planet's geological history, becoming a remarkable testament to the forces that shaped the Earth.

Natural Heritage and Scenic Value

Classified as Municipal Natural Heritage, the Foz do Douro Metamorphic Complex stands out for the excellent preservation and clarity with which its geological formations are exposed along the coastline. The constant interaction between the sea and the rock has resulted in erosive features that create ever-changing landscapes, offering the visitor a unique visual experience. It is a place where geology manifests itself grandly, inviting contemplation and study.

A Window into Geology

For those strolling along this coastline, the experience is enriched by the presence of strategically placed informative panels. These panels serve as a true window into geology, explaining in an accessible way the different types of observable rocks, such as biotitic gneisses, leucocratic gneisses, and igneous breccias. They allow the visitor to understand the phenomena that led to the formation of these structures, from the metamorphism of basalts about a billion years ago to the intrusion of granites, making the visit a journey of discovery about the formation of our planet.

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