Mata do Buçaco is a half-hour drive from our house, located in the Serra do Buçaco mountain range in the municipality of Luso. It is a 105-hectare forest created by monks with many hiking trails and exotic trees and plants from all over the world. The forest is considered one of the most unique and valuable areas in Portugal. In the words of Portuguese writer José Saramago: "Mata do Buçaco cannot be described, the best thing is to get lost in it."Especially in summer, when it is hot, this beautiful forest offers a wonderful cool atmosphere.
A short story about the Mata do Buçaco and its palace. A mix of nature, history, religion, architecture and beauty.
In 1628, a group of Carmelite monks settled as hermits in the then forest of the Serra do Buçaco. To keep their minds busy, away from temptations, depression and laziness, the Carmelites built a monastery "Convento de Santa Cruz do Buçaco" and began planting an exotic forest, for which Portuguese sailors collected the species on their voyages. The original forest was reforested with many native and exotic plants and trees, such as cedars, redwoods, ginkgo trees, tree ferns. For two centuries the Carmelites lived without possessions, in seclusion in an environment of tranquility.
The Mata do Buçaco has several paths, steps, bridges, fountains and ponds. The 'Via Sacra': sacred path that tells the story of Jesus with the cross, with chapels along the route. The 'Caminho das Águas': path over a monumental staircase of 144 steps with the famous fountain 'Fonte fria'. The 'Vale dos Fetos': path of the valley of tree ferns.
In 1834, religious orders were banned in Portugal and the monastery in Buçaco was closed. In 1888, construction began on a neo-manueline-style palace designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini. In 1907, the Palácio do Buçaco was completed. The galleries of the palace are decorated with tiles by ceramicist Jorge Colaço, and inside you will find a museum collection with works by famous Portuguese artists of the time, such as artists Carlos Reis and João Vaz.
In 1917, the palace became a hotel, which it still is to this day. The Palácio Hotel do Buçaco is one of the most beautiful, romantic and historic hotels in Portugal.
Special fact. 'Bos Madiba,' a tribute to Nelson Mandela.
'Bos Madiba' is located in the Mata do Buçaco, in a spot near the Palácio Hotel, as a tribute to Nelson Mandela. The spot aims to tell the life of the South African historical leader through one hundred trees, each linked to a passage from Mandela's life, also called 'Madiba.'
In the presence of Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and director of the Africa Rising Foundation, tree number 18 was planted, symbolizing Nelson Mandela's birthday.
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