Oliveira do Mouchão, Monument tree
Oliveira do Mouchão is an ancient olive tree located in Mouriscas, Portugal, with a trunk circumference of roughly 11 meters (36 feet) at its base. Its massive girth and sprawling branches create an imposing presence that speaks to the immense strength accumulated over thousands of years.
Originally given to the church as a vowed offering, the tree later passed to two sisters in the village. Throughout the centuries, it has stood witness to Roman and Arab presence in the region as well as the formation of Portugal as a nation.
The tree gets its name from where fishermen would gather before heading out on the Tejo River. Today it serves the community as a symbol of resilience and continuity, reminding residents and visitors of their shared connection to the land and its past.
The tree sits at the edge of a simple street and is easy to reach, requiring only a short walk from the residential area nearby. A protective wall has been built around it to safeguard it and mark its significance for visitors.
A natural cavity within the trunk has served multiple purposes across generations, from shelter to a gathering place. This hidden hollow reveals how deeply the tree was woven into the practical life of the community.
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