Palace located in the National Forest of Buçaco (Portugal)
The Mata Nacional do Buçaco is a protected area located in Serra do Buçaco (central Portugal).
It was planted by the Order of Descaled Carmelites in the first quarter of the 17th century, and is bounded by walls erected by the order to limit access to the forest.
The Carmelites also built there the Santa Cruz do Buçaco Convent, destined to house this monastic order, which existed between 1628 and 1834, the date of the extinction of the religious orders in Portugal.
In 1888, the construction of the Royal Palace (currently Palace Hotel do Buçaco) began on the site of the convent, which was partially demolished for this purpose.
The Buçaco National Forest has plant species from all over the world imported by the Order of Descaled Carmelites, including the famous Buçaco Cedar (Cupressus lusitanica). A unique habitat is located here: the adernal, whose worldwide distribution is limited to the few hectares existing in Buçaco.
So, if you visit Portugal, you can't miss Buçaco...