In this category you will find contributions regarding Madeira’s discovery, development and general history. But we also deep dive some historical specificities and celebrations. Especially Madeira’s history as it relates to wine and wine varieties, but also sugar and alcohol production, are given special attention. We also have a look at some…let’s say….’unique‘…historic means of transportation on the island.
Madeira’s Flemish Connection and Sugar Cane Where does the Flemish connection come from? In the 15th century Madeira was a sugar cane paradise supplying sugar to Europe. This Ouro Branco or white gold attracted many merchants from across Europe. In 1472, Madeira began trading directly with Flanders. Hence Flanders became a very important redistribution post …
Quinta das Cruzes Museum – Funchal The Quinta das Cruzes is a quinta exuding with historical value and tradition. It is also one of the most typical manor houses of Funchal. Today this gem is a museum. However, in times long passed, it was the second residence of João Gonçalves Zarco, the Portuguese captain who …
Did you say Ice in Summer? There are things that we take for granted today such as opening the freezer at home and grabbing an ice cream. However, in times not so long gone, it was impossible to have ice all year around. Now imagine yourself 100 years ago or more. How would you get …
Sarah Forbes Bonetta Whenever we pass by the British Cemetery in Funchal, I always think of the eventful life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta. You are probably wondering why as this name probably does not ring a bell. Here goes the story. African Princess Born in 1843, Sarah Forbes Bonetta was an African Princess named Omoba …
History: a peaceful island born of violence About 20 million years ago, Madeira burst from the Atlantic in giant gushes of volcanic flames. After the lava cooled, erosion shaped the island. The highest point is on the east-west backbone, and is called Pico Ruivo or Purple Peak. Discovery of Madeira Two captains, Joao Gonçalves Zarco …
When visiting Funchal, you will at one point or another notice a pretty yellow building on the coast. That building is no other than the São Tiago fortress, located in the historical center of the city. The Portuguese built the brick and stone fort in 1614 to defend Funchal from pirate attacks and corsairs. This …
The Santa Clara Convent in Funchal, was founded at the end of the 16th century. The convent was already partly built at the end of the 15th century and was fully constructed around the Our Lady of Conception chapel. It is classified as a National Monument and we can understand why. History of the convent …
Royal Routes of Madeira – Caminhos Reais da Madeira The “Royal Way”, or “Royal Road”, is the designation given to the main land roads built before the Republic was established. In Madeira, governors or high-ranking individuals initiated their building as an alternative and complement to existing maritime connections. These ‘royal roads’ are part of the …
Ancient means of transportation around the Island of Madeira Every terrain has its specific means of transportation. Madeira’s abrupt and rough geography long dictated the various way in which to travel or move around the island. The early settlers, some 600 years ago, mostly traveled by foot and carried their loads themselves. Slowly, animals helped …
A German Painter in Madeira: Max Römer Max Wilhelm Römer saw the light on November 22nd, 1878 in Hamburg, Germany. His wife became ill and upon the recommendation of a Danish friend, he decided to move to Madeira due to its mild climate. He packed belongings, wife and children onto the Brazilian steamboat “Curvello” with …
The “Sorcerer of Calheta” and the Bailinho da Madeira If you have once been to Madeira or even to Portugal and partook in popular festivities, you must have heard the “Bailinho da Madeira” music and maybe even the song. Click play here below to listen to the Bailinho da Madeira while reading this post. O …
