Whispers of centuries past linger in the air around the Carvalha Centenária. This ancient oak is more than just a tree. It is a living testament to time itself.
The Carvalha Centenária is known locally by a few names. Some call it Carvalha Grossa. Others refer to it as Carvalha da Tojeira or even Carvalha de Fondoua. But it is as the Carvalho de Calvos that this Quercus robur truly shines. It takes its name from the village of Calvos. Here the tree has firmly set its roots in Póvoa de Lanhoso.
Radiocarbon dating in 2011 showed its age. It is over 500 years old. But recent studies suggest it might be closer to 700 years old. This makes the Carvalha Centenária the oldest of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula. It is possibly the second oldest in all of Europe.
Despite its age, the Carvalha Centenária stands tall. Its canopy is still strong. Even with some missing wood at the base, it reaches nearly 30 meters high. The trunk measures an impressive 11.5 meters around its base. This comes from official measurements taken in 2015.
The Carvalha Centenária teems with life. Various creatures call its trunk, branches, and leaves home. One notable resident is the Lucanus cervus. It is Portugal’s largest beetle species. These protected insects rely on old deciduous trees like this oak.
Once, this Carvalha Centenária was part of a dense forest with other native oaks. Locals have always held it in special affection. They admire its size, age, and the deep hollow in its trunk. The Carvalha Centenária has watched generations. How many community picnics has it seen? How many love vows has it witnessed?
Today, the Carvalha Centenária stands in a park. Low vegetation surrounds it with only a few trees surviving a municipal clearing. This clearing put the focus entirely on this centuries-old tree. The Carvalha Centenária is so large that it needs supports. These props keep its heaviest branches from breaking. Its canopy spreads nearly 100 meters wide.
The local council built a building near the park. It gives visitors information about this special tree. The Interpretation Center also educates younger visitors. The Center hosts activities and events. These include book presentations and craft exhibitions. There are even workshops on reuse and games for children. A BTT center was recently established. This is for those wishing to cycle through the district.
The Carvalha Centenária is more than a tree. It’s the heart of a didactic and tourist complex. While it shares national attention with another oak in Trás-os-Montes, the Carvalha Centenária holds a special place. Its story continues to unfold inspiring awe and respect for the natural world.