Antiga Empresa da Cal

Amidst the serene landscape of Campanhã, nestled between the Serra do Marão and Serra do Alvão, lie the evocative ruins of the Antiga Empresa da Cal. This isn’t just a pile of old stones. It’s a whisper of a bygone era, a testament to the industrial heart that once beat strongly here. The Antiga Empresa da Cal, deactivated 60 years ago, played a vital role in the region’s economy. Limestone, quarried from nearby Campanhã, was brought here. The stone was then baked in the enormous kiln, ground into fine powder, and transformed into lime. This lime, a crucial building material, was then sold throughout the Douro and Trás-os-Montes regions. Imagine the hustle and bustle of workers, the heat radiating from the kiln, the constant grinding of stone against stone. Today, the ruins of the factory and the imposing lime kiln stand as silent witnesses to this industrious past. The site’s current owner, Fernando Pereira, whose grandfather once owned the Antiga Empresa da Cal, has envisioned a unique transformation. He’s not just restoring the ruins. He is weaving them into a larger tapestry of art, nature, poetry, and love. This two-hectare park, surrounded by eight hectares of forest, is a testament to Pereira’s vision. It incorporates the existing ruins with new artistic installations, quiet gardens, and reflective spaces. His poems, etched into the dark schist of the region, add another layer of meaning to the Antiga Empresa da Cal. The park is more than just a memorial to the past. It’s a living, breathing space, with sculptures by various Portuguese artists. A carved hand holding a woman, a dancing butterfly, and a welcoming wolf greet visitors. There’s even a hot air balloon, adding a touch of whimsy to the industrial landscape. Future plans include an exhibition by painter Nuno Castelo on the factory’s ruined walls and the eventual restoration of the factory itself into a hotel. The Antiga Empresa da Cal, once a center of industry, is now a place of contemplation and rebirth. It’s a place where the echoes of the past harmonize with the creativity of the present.