Cuca Macuca Stairway

Valongo Municipality has an area of 75.12 km2 and it is a region with a very diverse territory with urban areas, with high population density, and rural areas with lower population density where green spaces are more predominant. This extent and diversity poses mobility challenges between rural and urban areas, thus the implementation of solutions that complement the existing public transport offer is essential. Also, as part of the territory is comprehended in the protected area of the Serras do Porto Park, the mobility challenges are also related to contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and minimizing human interference in the ecosystems.

The Cuca Macuca Stairway appears as an infrastructure that allows citizens to move between the city and the mountains, contributing to sustainable mobility, in line with the municipal mobility strategy which has also invested in the construction of cycle and pedestrian paths. This infrastructure also contributes to promotion and protection of biodiversity, preventing direct contact with protected habitats, allowing the observation of fauna and flora from safe and privileged spots.

The project mainly aimed at valuing natural and historical heritage, in terms of classified areas; improving conditions for visitors and promote an increase in tourist flows; safeguarding natural resources; promoting direct contact with nature and accessibility to sites of archaeological interest; contributing to Valongo's identity as a city anchored in its forestry and natural heritage associated with soft mobility; and raising awareness about the preservation of classified areas.

Along its 2 km, it passes through an archaeological area, mining cavities, indigenous forests, a viewpoint over the valley and a park with the chapels, ending at a viewpoint overlooking the coastline. It also plays a main role in promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community, being used to do physical activity and sports. This infrastructure is made of properly treated wood, incorporating the use of natural materials and ensuring their durability.

Data from 2023 show the average number of visitors was 5000 and this stairway is currently an important point of reference for environmental education in the municipality of Valongo and is part of guided study visits with an average of 1,400 participants every year.

The development of this initiative and the achievement of the set goals was only possible due to a strong political will to create a green, sustainable and safe city. The 2km length of the stairway makes it an accessible route for different age groups, which also fosters a sense of belonging and integration among the community. The prior existence of municipal strategies and plans, as the municipal strategy for adaptation to climate change aimed at protecting and enhancing the municipality's green areas, which mean that interventions occur in an integrated way.

Since its implementation the Cuca Macuca Stairway has become a reference in the municipality, being visited by the local communities (schools, families, associations, sports groups) and tourists. Data from 2023 show the average number of visitors over the year was 5000.

The success of the stairway led to the expansion of the municipality's investment in the mountain area, and the Environmental and Roman Mining Interpretation Centre is now open to the public.

We believe that this is a practice that can be replicated in various EU contexts and regions, by cities with different sizes and different human and financial resources. At the same time, it can be a good practice to bridge the gap between urban and rural or mountainous areas, increasing the connection between the citizens and the territory.

Overall, the creation of a stairway or pathway that connects the urban and rural areas is a way to promote sustainable mobility, since people will be able to travel and move around without having to take their cars. It is also a way to promote contact with nature and biodiversity and, in turn, promoting the citizens health and wellbeing.

In addition, the benefits in terms of climate neutrality, nature protection and carbon neutrality, this initiative is very attractive in terms of tourism and leisure, with viewpoints and swings along the way which are hot spots for taking pictures.

https://www.valongoinoutdoor.pt/escadaria-cucamacuca