Castanyer de Can Cuc, Monumental chestnut tree in Cànoves i Samalús, Spain.
Castanyer de Can Cuc is a colossal chestnut tree in the forests near Cànoves i Samalús, standing about 24 meters tall with a crown spread of 25 meters. Its massive trunk and dense canopy of branches create a striking presence in the woodland.
The tree survived a three-day fire in its trunk in 1936, yet continued to recover and grow afterward. Another fire incident struck in the 1980s, but the chestnut persisted and showed remarkable resilience against repeated damage.
The tree bears the name Castanyer de Can Cuc, derived from the nearby farmstead after which the location is called. Local people view it as a symbol of their region's natural heritage and connection to the land.
The tree sits in the forest and can be reached via a hiking trail from Cànoves village toward the Vallfornès reservoir, with signposts marking the route. Visitors should wear proper footwear and come prepared for woodland walking.
A charcoal maker once lived inside the hollow trunk for approximately eighteen months, using it as a shelter. The interior cavity was spacious enough to accommodate a person comfortably.
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