Eco-Wolf Trail – Station G – Cattle Courtyard (7/16)

At this station, you can find a striking example of rural architecture: the old stone stables, also known as cortes do gado, used to confine and protect domestic animals, particularly cattle and small ruminants. These structures played an essential role in the economy and daily life of rural communities.

Built from local stone (in this case, granite), they were primarily used to shelter livestock at night, protecting them from predators such as the Iberian wolf and from harsh weather. However, their function went beyond protecting the animals. The lower floor, where the livestock were kept, provided a natural source of heat for the inhabitants, who often lived on the upper floor. This ingenious design utilized the body heat of the animals to warm the living space above, a practical and efficient solution during harsh winters.

These buildings were therefore designed to be multifunctional. The lower floor, with thick walls and solid construction, offered secure and thermally insulated shelter for the livestock. The upper floor was adapted for living, usually with simple rooms and a kitchen area, or for storing agricultural tools and hay.

Although now out of use, the interiors of these cortes do gado provide refuge for various species of flora and fauna, including the luminous moss (Schistostega pennata), which reflects light and appears to glow with a fluorescent green, adding a magical touch to the place.

Learn more: Mapa do Percurso e Projeto Trilho Eco-Lobo