Previous state
The Leça River Valley has traces of settlements dating back to the Palaeolithic period but the present-day landscape clearly reflected the pressures of human presence in unregulated sprawl combining residences, industrial estates, farmlands, and woods, all criss-crossed by motorways and railway lines. Pollution and asphalt had damaged the zone, even though it still retained a historical and cultural heritage of great value that was worth recovering.
Aim of the intervention
The project planned to create an extensive green corridor of some forty kilometres running alongside the river to connect with the metropolitan area of Porto and make the area more resilient to climate change. Rather than an aggressive, large-scale intervention, natural solutions were applied, among them regenerating riparian forests, decontaminating soil, and sustainable management of rainwater. Another major challenge was offering an alternative to cars in order to improve everyday mobility, and this part of the project was carried out in close consultation with local residents, experts, and municipal administrations.
Description
In order to make the work possible, private land was purchased and the tasks of cleaning water and soil began. The riverbanks were strengthened with native plants and vegetation able to absorb contamination and prevent landslides when the river floods. As for mobility, a continuous four-metre-wide path for pedestrians and cyclists was opened, connecting directly with public transport lines and urban centres. The route was completed with footbridges for crossing the river and adaptation of pre-existing bridges to ensure fluid, uninterrupted movement.
Assessment
The green belt has now connected mountain and sea, returning to residents a once degraded space. Today, the path has been incorporated into the routine of many people who use it to travel to and from work, and to take a lunchtime break with colleagues. At weekends it is now a gathering place for people doing sport or walking, and for family picnics. Moreover, talks, school visits, and sessions of volunteer work of cleaning the river and planting trees have given the community a renewed sense that this natural environment is theirs to enjoy.
[Last update: 05/10/2026]
