Museu da Pedra celebrates 25 years with geological heritage conference

The Museu da Pedra in Cantanhede has launched celebrations for its 25th anniversary, beginning with a scientific conference focused on geodiversity, geological heritage, and Ançã Stone.

Maria Helena Henriques, a professor from the University of Coimbra’s Department of Earth Sciences, led the session. The discussion emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting geological heritage through geoparks to engage both local communities and visitors. A key highlight was the international recognition of Ançã Limestone as a World Heritage Stone by the International Union of Geological Sciences.

Professor Henriques has a long-standing connection to the region, dating back to 1986 through paleontological research in the Portunhos and Ançã quarries. The conference marks the start of a month-long series of commemorative initiatives aimed at scientific dissemination and the valuation of the municipality's natural and cultural heritage.