Madeira (under blue spot), Portugal and Morocco
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Navigators Tristão Vaz Teixeira, Bartolomeu Perestrelo & João Gonçalves Zarco then became the first settlers. By order of Portuguese King John I (1357–1433), the colonisation process began 1425 with people of modest means, ex-prisoners of Portugal and some lower nobility. Other settlers were peasant farmers and fishermen hoping for better prospects after the bubonic plagues that ravaged Europe. To develop agriculture, settlers had to clear parts of the dense forest with long lasting fires.
King John I statue in Lisbon
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Madeira's settlement history depended on its clear potential. The islands were in an excellent geographical location, which quickly made it an international point of connection, with fertile volcanic soils and subtropical climate that was mild all year round. In the colonisation process, some crops were introduced that became central to Madeira's history. Sugar cane, which brought great economic prosperity to the region. Madeira began planting sugarcane, at the time considered a rare spice, in c1450 and quickly became a large exporter of sugarcane and a popular sugar stop for European traders. From the C16th on, the islands were established as one of the most famous sugar producers in the world, called White Gold. The use of slave labour in sugar cultivation was launched on a small production model in Madeira in 1452, an early place to employ slave labour for sugar. This was due to its proximity to Africa’s coast, 400 km to the Canary Islands and c520 km to Morocco; but c1000 km from Portugal!
The cultivation of sugarcane continued until later when most production moved to Brasil. Then vegetables and fishing were the main products for Madeirans. However in order to develop Madeira's agriculture, it was essential to thin out the dense forest, and build a large number of levadas/aqueducts. The levadas brought water from the island’s wet north to the dry parts in the south. Today there are 2,170 km+ of levadas still used for: water transport, hydroelectric power and popular walking trails with beautiful views. Already in 17th & C18ths, Madeira's history was marked by a new culture that boosted the economy.
Madeira was marginally involved in both world wars. There were a handful of German attacks in WW1, during which Germany declared war on Portugal on Mar 1916. In WW2, Portugal was neutral but did agree to take in Gibraltarian humanitarian refugees, until the war’s end.
Madeira gained political autonomy in 1976 after the 1974 Carnation Revolution, when a military coup ended Portugal’s ENDLESS dictatorship. Today Madeira’s population = c256,000 people, the majority of whom live on Madeira island and 5,000 people living on Porto Santo island. Of those on Madeira, almost half (105,795) live in the capital, Funchal. The population is almost entirely Catholic (96%) and tourism makes up c30% of the Madeiran GDP.
The paradisal nature of the 2 Atlantic islands became famous around the world. Some of the European aristocracy, attracted by the therapeutic properties of this Eden, began to take up temporary residence here. Madeira flourished for tourism, and still today.
The cultivation of sugarcane continued until later when most production moved to Brasil. Then vegetables and fishing were the main products for Madeirans. However in order to develop Madeira's agriculture, it was essential to thin out the dense forest, and build a large number of levadas/aqueducts. The levadas brought water from the island’s wet north to the dry parts in the south. Today there are 2,170 km+ of levadas still used for: water transport, hydroelectric power and popular walking trails with beautiful views. Already in 17th & C18ths, Madeira's history was marked by a new culture that boosted the economy.
Madeira was marginally involved in both world wars. There were a handful of German attacks in WW1, during which Germany declared war on Portugal on Mar 1916. In WW2, Portugal was neutral but did agree to take in Gibraltarian humanitarian refugees, until the war’s end.
Madeira gained political autonomy in 1976 after the 1974 Carnation Revolution, when a military coup ended Portugal’s ENDLESS dictatorship. Today Madeira’s population = c256,000 people, the majority of whom live on Madeira island and 5,000 people living on Porto Santo island. Of those on Madeira, almost half (105,795) live in the capital, Funchal. The population is almost entirely Catholic (96%) and tourism makes up c30% of the Madeiran GDP.
Old Town Funchal
With 600+ years of history, this Atlantic archipelago protects a vast collection of monuments, churches, museums and other cultural spaces. Madeira's heritage stands out for its undeniable historical relevance. Walking in the streets of Madeira's towns and cities means enjoying direct contact with that heritage. It is a journey into the past through different architectural styles, historic spaces or artworks from the eras. Among Madeira's heritage, see King Manuel I late Gothic relics, military or modern architecture. And valuable paintings, photos, sculptures, jewellery, furniture and porcelain found in the chapels, churches, cathedrals, forts, palaces, old estates, museums or cultural centres.
The capital city, Funchal, is central to Madeira's cultural heritage. Wander down the streets of this European city to enjoy its rich heritage eg art pieces from 7 museums. These artefacts were chosen for their history and their relationship with Madeira. All the museums are ideal for exploring the archipelago's history, identity and traditions but also for discovering the region's natural wealth.
The capital city, Funchal, is central to Madeira's cultural heritage. Wander down the streets of this European city to enjoy its rich heritage eg art pieces from 7 museums. These artefacts were chosen for their history and their relationship with Madeira. All the museums are ideal for exploring the archipelago's history, identity and traditions but also for discovering the region's natural wealth.
Madeira Island vineyards
Museum of Wine and Vine, tasting room
The special wine produced is globally acclaimed still, and although Madeira is mostly made with red grapes, white grapes are also common. Since C17th, Madeira’s main export has been wine, used in many traditional Portuguese dishes. In Santana municipality on Madeira’s north coast, the Museum of Wine and Vine is housed in an old restored cellar, examining wine’s complex production process. Three wine presses have been restored in the cellar, offering visitors the chance to inspect these traditional spaces and utensils used in viticulture. Additionally the Museum also has an explanatory section on the cycles of the vine. Note the Museum includes a shop for buying traditional products!
The Solar do Aposento is a traditional, wealthy house well-preserved in the Madeiran architectural tradition. Built mid C18th in Ponta Delgada, this agricultural property’s building came with by some out-buildings; the entire ground floor was occupied by wine stores, next to a wine press. So visiting Solar do Aposento means witnessing island life in 18th & C19ths. More recently the site gained a small chapel and extensions near the kitchen. The interior explores various decorative styles. Most of the furniture are of C19th Madeiran origin, with pieces in mahogany and chestnut wood, like contemporary English furniture. And also Portuguese furniture from the late 18th and C19ths. And see important paintings and sculptures eg the C17th oil on canvas painting of Our Lady with Child and a polychrome, gilded upholstered wooden sculpture of St Anthony (mid-C17th). Also see a carved and gilded wooden mirror from Queen Donna Maria I (1734–1816).
The Solar do Aposento is a traditional, wealthy house well-preserved in the Madeiran architectural tradition. Built mid C18th in Ponta Delgada, this agricultural property’s building came with by some out-buildings; the entire ground floor was occupied by wine stores, next to a wine press. So visiting Solar do Aposento means witnessing island life in 18th & C19ths. More recently the site gained a small chapel and extensions near the kitchen. The interior explores various decorative styles. Most of the furniture are of C19th Madeiran origin, with pieces in mahogany and chestnut wood, like contemporary English furniture. And also Portuguese furniture from the late 18th and C19ths. And see important paintings and sculptures eg the C17th oil on canvas painting of Our Lady with Child and a polychrome, gilded upholstered wooden sculpture of St Anthony (mid-C17th). Also see a carved and gilded wooden mirror from Queen Donna Maria I (1734–1816).
Funchal family houses and beach rental houses
The Madeira Story Centre explains the archipelago’s rich history. Situated near the cable car station in central Funchal, the Centre teaches via an exhibition of authentic historical objects and interactive multi-media equipment. The Museum’s halls are organised in themes: Volcanic Origins; Legends of Discovery; Discovery of Madeira; Turmoil and Trade; Strategic Island; Madeira Development; After Navigation; and Exploring Madeira. From volcanic genesis to pirate attacks, going through the Centre suits the entire family. See the panoramic terrace, to scan Funchal city and to taste the local cuisine.
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