Category: Civil Architecture > Garden
District: Viseu > Penalva do Castelo > Gondomar
The Mata da Senhora de Lourdes is located on the outskirts of Penalva do Castelo, in the municipality of Penalva do Castelo. It extends along the slope of an elevation and is embraced by the banks of the Côja river, in a rural setting distinguished by its scenic beauty and environmental serenity.
This natural space offers a sense of refuge and tranquility, inviting an experience of contact with nature, where the sound of the river's water accompanies part of the path.
The Mata da Senhora de Lourdes was once an integral part of the historical Casa da Ínsua estate, which gives it a unique historical particularity. At the top of the elevation, it is still possible to observe a turreted pavilion, built in the early 20th century, displaying the fleur-de-lis insignia, a symbol of the former owning family.
Access to this higher area is via an avenue flanked by imposing chestnut and cedar trees, inviting a shaded walk. Throughout the forest, the vegetation is dense and diverse, with specimens of pines, oaks, eucalyptus, cedars, mimosas, and alders.
At the base of the forest, next to the Côja river, there is an artificial grotto, sculpted directly into the granite rock. Inside, it houses an image of Our Lady of Lourdes, and an inscription engraved in the rock evokes the apparition of the Virgin in Lourdes to Bernadette, with the phrase "Come and let the people accompany you" and the date February 18, 1858.
Further up, accessible by a narrower path, is a small chapel, also dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Built in 1909 by Manuel de Albuquerque, from Casa da Ínsua, the chapel features tile panels illustrating the Marian apparitions. Also noteworthy are the fleur-de-lis symbols and the builder's monogram, accompanied by an inscription revealing the reason for its construction: a gesture of gratitude for his mother's recovery after a serious accident in Paris, which occurred on June 16, 1907.
The Mata da Senhora de Lourdes offers several paths that allow exploring its extent. One of the routes invites visitors to ascend the slope, passing by small fountains that add a refreshing touch to the landscape. This walk culminates in a small viewpoint on a rock, from which a view over the Côja valley unfolds.
Continuing the trail, through the tree canopy providing shade and coolness, one reaches the Casa da Ínsua pavilion, at the highest point of the forest. The forest is also punctuated by granite outcrops of various sizes, enriching the natural scenery.
Parallel to the chapel area and extending along the banks of the Côja river, an area dedicated to leisure and outdoor activities has been developed. This space includes a picnic area, equipped with granite tables and chairs, ideal for enjoying social moments in contact with nature.
It also includes an area for physical fitness and a playground, providing a welcoming environment for various visitors. The naturalized paths invite relaxing strolls, where the constant murmur of the Côja river's water contributes to a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6764906,-7.7036561
Coordinates DMS: 40°40'35.4"N 07°42'13.2"W
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