Viana do Castelo Urban Ecological Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Meadela > Parque Ecológico Urbano

Location

The Viana do Castelo Urban Ecological Park is situated in the parish of Meadela, an urban area of the municipality of Viana do Castelo. This natural space integrates into the right bank of the Lima River estuary, close to its mouth. Its position allows for direct contact with the riverside and coastal dynamics, offering a refuge within the city's urban environment.

A Singular Ecosystem

With an area extending over approximately 20 hectares, the park constitutes an area of high environmental interest and sensitivity. It is an important coastal wetland, fed daily by both the brackish water from the tides and the fresh water from the São Vicente stream. This interaction creates a peculiar transitional ecosystem, with habitats adapted to salinity variations. The park is recognized for hosting an abundance of halophytic vegetation, making it one of the first sites in Portugal with this particularity. This natural diversity serves as a refuge and an essential point for the life of various species, including sedentary and migratory birds.

Historical Legacy

To the people of Viana, and to those familiar with local history, this park is also known as "Caldeira de D. Prior" or "Caldeira de Maré". This designation reflects its historical past, as it was in this area that water accumulated and was retained during high tide. This water reserve was fundamental for the operation of the old D. Prior Tidal Mill, dating back to the early 19th century, which today corresponds to the building of the Environmental Monitoring and Interpretation Centre.

A Space to Enjoy

The Urban Ecological Park was conceived as a place for leisure, recreation, and contact with nature. It offers visitors various spaces and facilities that invite contemplation of the natural environment. The quality of its landscape integration and the relevance of its purpose were recognized with the award of a National Prize for Landscape Architecture, highlighting the project's value in enhancing this natural environment.

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