Geotourism Route through Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University (Vila Real, Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion): a Space of Public Outreach of Geology

Abstract

AbstractGeoconservation, geotourism and geodiversity are concepts that should be taught at all educational levels. The entire society should preserve the natural resources in a sustainable way. Geological processes and quarrying created and still creates cultural heritage in landscapes, villages and cities worldwide. Rock outcrops, historical quarries, forms of extraction and buildings built with stones are a heritage that should safeguard. This work details a geotourism route that would bring new life to Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro University (UTAD) campus. The proposed route connects a historical quarry located in the UTAD campus with the main church built with its granite and different rock outcrops that show the geological history of the city of Vila Real (Portugal). It envisages a three-points of interest tour from the Fernando Real Geology Museum (UTAD) to a church built with Prezandães granite from Folhadela.