In central Portugal, the Bussaco Forest covers around 105 hectares on the slopes of the Serra do Bussaco.
Inside the forest you will find an old Carmelite convent, small hermitages, fountains, walking trails and one of the most unusual historic hotels in Portugal.
The history of Bussaco changed in 1628, when the forest was given to the Discalced Carmelites.
They created a religious retreat here and built the Convent of Santa Cruz, several hermitages and a Via Crucis through the forest.
In 1643, Pope Urban VIII issued a papal bull threatening excommunication to anyone who damaged the trees or removed wood from the forest without permission.
Today, Mata Nacional do Bussaco has around 250 species of trees and shrubs and is one of the most interesting historic forests in Portugal.
Palace Hotel do Bussaco
In the middle of the forest stands the Palace Hotel do Bussaco.
The project was approved in 1888 and designed by Italian architect and stage designer Luigi Manini, who later also worked on Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra.
The building is Neo-Manueline and takes inspiration from Portuguese monuments such as the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Queen Maria Pia originally wanted a royal palace here, but the project later became a hotel.
Inside you can find large azulejo panels, paintings, carved stone and other decorative elements inspired by Portuguese history.
The building still operates as a hotel today.
The Battle of Bussaco
Bussaco also played an important role during the Napoleonic invasions.
On 27 September 1810, Anglo-Portuguese forces commanded by Wellington fought the French army of Marshal Masséna here.
The old Carmelite convent was used by Wellington during the battle.
There is also a small Military Museum dedicated to this period.
Some places worth seeing are:
🌿 Convent of Santa Cruz
⛲ Fonte Fria, with its large staircase surrounded by forest
🌳 Vale dos Fetos, known for its large tree ferns
⛰️ Cruz Alta, one of the highest points in the area
⛪ The old hermitages and Via Crucis around the forest
There are also several walking trails if you want to spend more time exploring the Mata.
Practical information
Entry to the forest is free on foot or by bicycle. There is a fee if you enter by car.
From June to September, the forest normally opens from 9:00 to 19:00.
I would allow at least a few hours. It is a good stop if you are travelling around central Portugal, especially between Coimbra and Aveiro.
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