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.
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 …
“V-J Day in Times Square” but is known to most as “The Kiss” Roaming the streets of New York, a photograph set out to catch the atmosphere of V-J day (Victory over Japan – end of World War II in the USA on 14/08/1945). His photography of the kiss captured that fleeting moment of passion, …
Fortaleza do Pico, Funchal The Fort of Saint John the Baptist, also known as Peak Fort or Fortaleza do Pico, stands high above Funchal at approximately 110 meters in altitude. Hence it is easy to spot in the Funchaleze landscape but taxing to reach. Construction The exact starting date for the construction is no known. …
The Monte Toboggan Run or Monte Wicker sledges When I asked my son’s girlfriend whether she wanted to slide down a really steep and almost polished road from Monte to Funchal in a big Monte wicker basket on wooden skis, she thought I was crazy. Monte Wicker Basket rides are, however, one of Madeira’s most …
What is the Solar do Aposento This Solar (Portuguese for manor house) is located at Ponta Delgada. It was just recently opened to the public (spring of 2018) by the municipality of Sao Vicente. Aposento meaning retreat, a visit to this well preserved manor takes us back to the 19th century. At the time Ponta …
