The Buçaco Palace
Considered one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, Buçaco Palace stands majestically within the Buçaco Forest, transporting visitors to a fairy-tale world full of sumptuous fantasy. Designed by the scenographer Luigi Manini, this stunning building is a recreation of Manueline architecture, inspired by works such as the Belém Tower or the Jerónimos Monastery, and it replicates their rich decorative details. Renowned Portuguese artists like Norte Júnior, Carlos Reis, and Jorge Colaço contributed to the structure and ornamentation of the building, making it one of the most iconic hotels in the country, an extraordinary architectural ensemble in close connection with the lush forest. Come discover it!
Welcome to the Palace
Managed by the third generation of descendants of Alexandre de Almeida, the first great Portuguese hotel entrepreneur, the “Palace of Bussaco” offers a distinguished and refined atmosphere, characterized by comfortable accommodations, the excellence of Portuguese cuisine, and the sublime palate of the Buçaco wines, known worldwide.
Fit for princes and princesses, the hotel has 64 rooms, including the D. Manuel and D. Luís suites, the sumptuous Queen D. Amélia suite, and the Royal D. Carlos suite, all furnished with exquisite pieces, in a variety of styles ranging from the most classical to Art Nouveau.
The restaurant is also worth a visit, not only for the exceptional quality of its cuisine but also for the space’s decoration, which features magnificent frescoes by João Vaz depicting maritime scenes from Os Lusíadas, a beautiful neo-Moorish ceiling, and a remarkable floor made of exotic woods.
The Buçaco Forest
At the far end of the Serra do Buçaco, where the mountain reaches 547 meters in altitude, lies the Buçaco Forest. With six walking trails, set off to discover its stunning botany.
Surrounded by a high wall with eleven entrance gates, the Buçaco Forest is located at the far end of the Serra do Buçaco, where the mountain reaches 547 meters in altitude. Make these gates the starting point for a walk through the region’s nature and let yourself be captivated by the serene, almost magical, lush greenery of Buçaco.
After exploring the mountain paths, rest at the Palace Hotel of Bussaco, one of the most beautiful neo-Manueline buildings in Portugal, or visit the Convent of Santa Cruz, where General Wellington stayed during the Battle of Buçaco. Immerse yourself in the charm of the flora and history of this place.
The Flora of Buçaco Forest
The Buçaco Forest is much smaller in size compared to Europe’s great forests. However, the variety of its plant species far surpasses them. Within the walls built by the Discalced Carmelites, there are about 400 native species from the Portuguese Atlantic region and approximately 300 from other climates. The most representative element of this symbiosis is the Buçaco cedar, an imposing cypress native to Mexico, believed to be the first exotic species planted in the forest by the monks in 1656. The Cedar of São José, planted 350 years ago by the monks near the gate of the same name, is the local symbol of this impressive tree species.
A Walk Through the Forest
If there is a cool and peaceful place to walk, it is the Buçaco Forest. With six well-marked walking trails, the forest invites you to discover its stunning botany. Head to the Fern Valley and delight in its lakes, refresh yourself at the numerous fountains scattered around the area, and admire the natural corners shaped by the lush vegetation. You can also explore the forest through historical trails: admire the imposing gates of the enclosure or the hermitages built by the Discalced Carmelites, which rise in perfect harmony with the trees. Walk the Stations of the Cross, climb to the Cruz Alta viewpoint, and finally, visit the Almas de Encarnadouro to see the Military Museum.
The Battle of Buçaco
During the Third French Invasion, Buçaco proved to be a decisive location for the unfolding of events. On September 27, 1810, the Anglo-Portuguese troops, led by General Wellesley, confronted Massena’s French troops in the Battle of Buçaco. Taking advantage of the defensive properties of the terrain and with 50,000 men, Wellesley halted the Napoleonic offensive towards Lisbon, delivering a heavy blow to the Napoleonic forces and boosting the morale and perseverance of the Portuguese and English forces. This confrontation would become crucial in the unfolding of subsequent military events that led to the final expulsion of French troops. The lands of Buçaco still echo with the glory and bravery of the Portugal that resisted the invader.
The Palace and National Forest of Serra do Buçaco can be reached in about 45 minutes by car from Quinta da Palmeira – Country House Retreat & Spa.