Buçaco

Buçaco, sometimes rendered Bussaco in English, refers to a historic and natural region in central Portugal centered on the Serra do Buçaco and the associated Mata Nacional do Buçaco (National Forest). The area lies near the towns of Luso and Curia, within the municipality of Mealhada, and is a notable landscape of woodland, ridges, and historic structures.

Geographically, the Buçaco forest occupies a significant portion of the Serra do Buçaco, forming a protected landscape in the Mondego river basin. It is renowned for its cultivated and experimental plantings, developed over centuries by religious communities and later by royal patrons, which created a diverse milieu of tree species and garden-like avenues alongside native vegetation. The forest is traversed by trails and pathways that connect natural viewpoints with architectural landmarks.

Historically, Buçaco is linked to religious orders that historically inhabited the site and to the later presence of royal influence. A prominent feature is the Palace of Buçaco, built in the late 19th century as a royal residence and hunting lodge, which now serves as a hotel and cultural venue. The area is also associated with the Peninsular War, notably the Battle of Bussaco in 1810, when Allied forces held a defensive line in the vicinity during their campaign against Napoleonic France.

Today, Buçaco is a protected natural and cultural site that attracts visitors for its scenic beauty, botanical diversity, and historical buildings. The Mata Nacional do Buçaco remains a key reference point in Portugal’s network of forests and heritage landscapes.