Presentation
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The "Low Mondego" corresponds to the final section of the alluvial plane located between Coimbra and Figueira da Foz. There where times when the Mondego River would wander through that area, and the biggest and most tangled turns where located between Pereira and Montemor, making up what was once called the "tangle of Montemor".
The Paul de Arzila Nature Reserve (535 ha), on the left shore of the river is heir to that situation. It collects water from small water lines and from "olheiros" which, due to the reduced inclination, create a flooded area, which is today, partly, enveloped by forest areas and was once partially rice farmland. Interesting hygrphyous vegetation cover, with highlight to the bulrush and reeds.
Abundant diversity of birds - more than a hundred resident and visiting species of birds - being the marsh an autumn passageway for trans-saharan migrating birds, feeding and resting area for various species, shelter for nesting species and wintering locale for palearctic species. Added to the presence of mammals such as the otter and fishes such as the nase, there are also several amphibians and reptiles.
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Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. (ICNF, I.P.)
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Rivers and marshes
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Center
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Coimbra
Condeixa-a-Nova
Montemor-o-Velho
Identification and Access
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Access coming from:
- Coimbra, exit through the IC2 heading towards Alfarelos, continue until Arzila and follow the indications for "Reserve".
- Condeixa-a-Nova, follow to N 347, at Sebal, take EM607 direction to "Zona Industrial de Condeixa-a-Nova (Venda da Luisa)", then follow to Anobra by EM 605, and from Anobra take direction Arzila.
- Montemor-o-Velho, take N347 to Alfarelos, then take N341 directionPereira. At Pereira take N341 to Arzila, about 1 km away.
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Yes
Tip
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Abandon the Coimbra of students and head out into the field, the place from where some of the most beautiful girls (tricanas) came from, reliving remnants of the Mondego river in a moist area with clear biodiversity. We recommend that you start your visit in the Interpretation Centre, where you can find all the available information about the area.
To observe the fauna leave early in the morning or a bit before dusk. Bring binoculars and a camera, if you have them. Always pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid performing activities in days of rain, thunderstorm or fog. Avoid going out by yourself, but, if you do, inform an acquaintance or a local entity of your departure and return. Use simple and comfortable clothes. Take precautions and use insect repellent. Take special precautions when walking in moist areas, to avoid falling, and do not act in a way that might endanger yourself or others.
In case of accident contact the emergency service 112.
Supports in place
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The Reserve has directional and informative signs throughout all of its area.
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Yes
At the Interpretation Centre.
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Yes
To obtain more informations please contact Paul de Arzila Nature Reserve.
Statutes of Conservation
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PTCON0005 Paul de Arzila (Arzila Marsh)
PTZPE0005 Paul de Arzila (Arzila Marsh)
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Biogenetic Reserve.RAMSAR site - Paul de Arzila - Wetlands of International Importance List
near you
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The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, located in the heart of the city since 1772, at the initiative of the Marquis of Pombal, extends over 13 hectares on lands mostly donated by the Benedictine monks. Has important collections of plants that transport us to different latitudes and regions of the world. (SITE)
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Discover the remains of a Roman town with over 2000 years, Conímbriga, located near the town of Condeixa-a-Velha. (SITE).
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Discover the remains of a Roman town with over 2000 years, Conímbriga, located near the town of Condeixa-a-Velha. (SITE).
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Morraceira island located in the Mondego estuary, at Figueira da Foz county, there you can see a vast array of waterfowl and seabirds or pay a visit to the Salt Museum. (SITE)
similar
Weather Conditions
What you can do
1. Listen and try to figure out a Savi's Warbler, little bird that sings like an insect (cicada).
2. Follow the route and try to see an elegant Purple Heron flying.
3. Dress like a vilão, and in March, visit Feira Medieval de Arzila (Arzila Medieval Fair).
1. In early summer, walk slowly and try to take a picture of dragonflies, when they fly in pairs to deposit eggs on vegetation along the water.
2. Take your picnic basket, make a packed lunch, which does not need to be heated, and have lunch in the picnic area of the Reserve.
3. In July, go to Coimbra to participate in Festas da Cidade e da Rainha Santa (City and the Holy Queen Fair) and then, in the evening, come and see the paul birds.
4. In June, go to Festa da Esteira, Doçaria e Artesanato (Mats, Sweets and Crafts Fair), in Arzila.
1. Bring your binoculars and discover the birds that spend the winter here.
2. Give comfort to the stomach eating a good chanfana in a restaurant in the area, or indulge yourself with a traditional delicacy of the Lower Mondego river, like fried eels, eel stew or ruivacos.
1. Faça-se acompanhar dos binóculos e parta à descoberta das aves que aqui passam o inverno.
Best Season: All year long
Reserva Natural do Paul de Arzila (Headquarters)
Rua do Bairro, 1
Arzila
3045-356 COIMBRA
Telephone: (00351) 239 980 500
E-mail: rnpa@icnf.pt
