Category: Nature > Park
District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Sandim > Castelo
The Castle Botanical Park is located in Sandim, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, within the area known as Castelo. This green space is designed in terraces, a layout that, as one ascends, reveals wide views over the surrounding landscape, with particular emphasis on the course of the Douro River, visible in the distance.
This park, opened to the public in September 2009, resulted from a rehabilitation process. The land, which was previously a disused and ruined farm, was acquired and transformed into a space for leisure and knowledge. Its recovery was carefully executed, with the commitment of the Municipality and the support of the Gaia Biological Park services, which allowed the area to be revitalized and made accessible.
The botanical identity of the park is marked by its diversity of native species. Walking through it, it is possible to observe a variety of trees and shrubs characteristic of the region, such as ash trees, cork oaks, butcher's brooms, and various species of native oaks. The park also hosts endemic species, namely the plant Omphalodes nitida, a species exclusive to Northern Portugal, which is sheltered in the shade of the strawberry trees, enriching the natural value of the place.
More than a green space, the Castle Botanical Park is also a site of archaeological interest. Excavations that have been ongoing at the site since 2010 have revealed traces of an ancient, complex occupation whose nature is still under study, with indications of a more significant presence concentrated in the 5th and 6th centuries. It is foreseen that the Casa da Eira, an existing structure at the highest point of the park, will host a future interpretation center, deepening knowledge about the flora, archaeology, and geomorphology of the site.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.068463766667, -8.504063152381
Coordinates DMS: 41°04'6.5"N 08°30'14.6"W
On-duty Pharmacy Sandim
