Contributions for the Rehabilitation of the Castro da Senhora do Bom Sucesso - Mangualde (Portugal)

Abstract

Portugal is undoubtedly, a destination for the practice of Nature Tourism, containing a vast and rich natural, historical and cultural heritage. This settlement, Castro of Senhora do Bom Sucesso is a place where the surrounding landscape stands out with several mountains around it, in an environment where the flora and fauna, characteristics of this region, stand out. The whole history of the place, refers to a certain period of the past, valuing it and able to make the experience that the Nature Tourism can provide even better. Being one of the highest places in the central region of Portugal, it is for many people, a special place of enjoyment and relaxation. In this place, hundreds of years ago, there were between 80 and 100 houses of ancient people from the Celtic culture. Later, due to the abandonment by Men, these houses became disused, falling into a rapid decay process with the collapse of walls and roofs, making the roads impassable and the place covered with vegetation. Thus, in this work, in methodological terms, based on literature review, the collection of cartographic elements of the place, and in the field and cabinet studies, it was possible to develop an investigation on the Military Heritage of the region, in order to analyze in detail, the relation of the nature of the place with the architecture. This work resulted in a proposal for the site of the former Castro do Bom Sucesso, with the main objective of creating an Ecotourism Park, around the Celtic culture and autochthonous nature, organized in the following main equipment: i) Reception of the Ecotourism Park; (ii) “Celtic Bungalows”; iii) Celtic Interpretation Center; iv) biological pool and v) Camping. The paper presents the main elements developed, from the design to the form and location of the equipment that, to be built, is believed to improve the regional economy through a scientific, didactic, cultural and sustainable tourism.