Pine from Esposende hospital

Town: Esposende
Species: Pinus pínea
Estimated age: 140 years old
Interest: Historical testimony
Location: 41°32'12.57"N; 8°46'53.74"W (41.536821, -8.781552)

The stone pine used to be one of the most representative and emblematic forest species in the municipality of Esposende, especially on the coast. Over time it was replaced, first by maritime pine and later by eucalyptus. On Avenida Dr Henrique Barros Lima, several properties had specimens of this species.
In the first place, this pine bears witness to the construction of the centenary Valentim Ribeiro Hospital, when the building was inaugurated. A beautiful and emblematic building, where for several decades local people were born in its maternity ward. This building has one of the most beautiful coats of arms in Portugal carved in granite, which is so characteristic of public buildings of the time. What's more, the hospital was built without any public funding, but rather with funds from benefactors and the local population, signalling a sense of people coming together for the common good.
Secondly, this tree is a living testimony to the flooding of the Cávado river. River Cávado floods were relatively common until the dams were built to regulate the river's flow. The last major flood occurred on 28 February 1978, with the river reaching the hospital steps, precisely at the foot of this tree.
In the street opposite, Avenida Rocha Gonçalves, the writer Agustina Bessa-Luís lived for some years, and from her house she could see this tree very well, who knows if it contributed to her moments of inspiration.

See here all the REMARKABLE TREES in the municipality of Esposende.