Madeira (under blue spot), Portugal and Morocco
Wiki
Navigators Tristão Vaz Teixeira, Bartolomeu Perestrelo & João Gonçalves Zarco became the first settlers. Portuguese King John I (1357–1433) ordered the colonisation process in 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 ravaging Europe. To develop agriculture, settlers cleared parts of the dense forest with long lasting fires.
King John I statue in Lisbon
Wiki
Madeira's settlement history showed its clear potential. The islands were in a perfect geographical location, quickly making it an international point of connection, with fertile volcanic soils & subtropical climate all year. During colonis-ation, some crops were introduced that became central to Madeira's history. Sugar cane brought great economic wealth to the region. Madeira began planting sugarcane, a rare spice then, in c1450 and quickly became a large exporter of sugarcane and a popular sugar stop for European traders. From C16th, the islands were established as one of the most famous sugar producers in the world: White Gold. The use of slave labour in sugar cultivation was launched on a small production model in Madeira in 1452, the earliest place to use 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 most production moved to Brasil. Then fishing & vegetables were the main products for Madeirans. But in order to develop Madeira's agriculture, it was essential to thin out the dense forest and to build many levadas-aqueducts. They 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 & popular walking trails with great 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 two 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 with tourism, and still does today.
The cultivation of sugarcane continued until most production moved to Brasil. Then fishing & vegetables were the main products for Madeirans. But in order to develop Madeira's agriculture, it was essential to thin out the dense forest and to build many levadas-aqueducts. They 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 & popular walking trails with great 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
Museum of Wine and Vine, tasting room
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
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 preserved in the Madeiran architectural tradition. Built mid C18th in Ponta Delgada, this agricultural property’s building came with out-buildings; the ground floor was occupied by wine stores, next to a wine press. So visiting Solar do Aposento means witnessing island life in 18th & C19ths. 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 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 preserved in the Madeiran architectural tradition. Built mid C18th in Ponta Delgada, this agricultural property’s building came with out-buildings; the ground floor was occupied by wine stores, next to a wine press. So visiting Solar do Aposento means witnessing island life in 18th & C19ths. 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 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.
Madeira Flower Festival
each year in April-May
Beyond Madeira
The paradisal nature of the two 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 with tourism, and still does today.
The entire family was finishing an excellent holiday in Portugal and before going home, we thought of spending a day in Madeira. But the return ferry cost for one adult was not cheap, let alone for us five adults.
ReplyDeleteDeb
ReplyDeleteRegular travellers to Madeira from mainland Portugal almost always go by plane. Flights from Lisbon to Madeira are cheaper, MUCH faster and far more regular than ferries. However ferry travel is prettier.
Wow. Madeira is gorgeous. I have heard and read about it, but didn't realize it was such a beautiful place. And you asked in a comment on my post about why wait a whole year for the ferry just because it's free? We didn't wait; we didn't know about it until it happened so we decided to go. And it did save my husband and myself about $50.
ReplyDeleteErika
DeleteIt was my plan pre-Covid to visit most of the c193 countries in the world while I was still fit and healthy, excluding only those countries with fatal wars and epidemics.
While not an independent nation, Madeira functions like a province with its own regional government and legislature based in its own capital, not in Portugal. So I most certainly _would_ have included these islands which sound perfect for tourists, had I remained fit and well :(
Hello Hels, I was fascinated to learn that the forest cover (including the remaining forest) of Madeira is of the type known as a laurel (or laurophyll) forest (which includes the true laurel plants, but also other species with specific traits). These forests are a kind of living fossil, having been established eons ago. They are similar to the woods found in Taiwan, although quite different from Northern Ohio where I grew up.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Parnassus
DeleteI am not surprised that the laurel trees of Madeira belonging to the Laurel Forest became a rather amazing UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO doesn't hand out Heritage sites willy nilly... architecture, cultural sites and natural landscapes have to be VERY important. Especially since the Madeira forest is millions of years old!
Bom dia minha querida amiga Helen. Grande Otelo, foi muito conhecido em grande parte, do mundo todo. Nunca tive a oportunidade de sair do Brasil. Desejo uma excelente manhã de quarta-feira e um grande abraço do seu amigo carioca. Obrigado pelas fotos maravilhosas e um grande abraço do seu amigo carioca.
ReplyDeleteLuiz,
Deleteyou are right. Well written text is important but excellent photos often teach us more.
It is quite extraordinary how explorers discovered unknown islands. What courageous souls they were.
ReplyDeletejabblog
Deleteexplorers, scientists and colonialists often go on ships because they wanted to understand new islands and examine new natural landscapes. They largely knew the dangers they would be facing, be they native populations, unknown diseases or intolerable climates.
I bet their wives weren't as keen to kiss their husbands goodbye for the last time at the departing ship.
Madeira is a place I know nothing about, so this was a real interesting read
ReplyDeleteJo-Anne
DeleteI have been all sound Spain, twice, and once around Portugal. But never to Madeira. When my son, who owned a great travel agency passed away, he left me the notes from his clients' most popular destinations.
I miss him terribly, so this is in his honour.
A former blog mate, who I continue to have contact with, moved from Ayrshire, Scotland to Funchal after his partner died. The town sounds delightful and I now know some Madeiran history.
ReplyDeleteAndrew
DeleteI am not surprised whenever people from very cold and wet countries want to move to warm attractive countries with rich spaces and cultural heritage. But I wonder why your old bloggy mate why he chose Madeira... did he have any friends or family there? Did he speak Portuguese?
My father was for some reason interested in Portugal.
ReplyDeletepeppylady
DeleteI was very interested in both Spanish and Portuguese art, history, architecture and religion, in Europe and in South America. Especially Spanish. Mind you, I was very aware of the lonnnggg dictatorships in both countries.
But I am not surprised that your father was very interested in Portugal.. it was fascinating.
So MANY years ago, they had the common sense to build aqueducts, "They brought water from the island's wet North to the dry parts in the South" Centuries later, our governments lack that same commonsense, so the North floods while the South dies.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of the Madeira Islands but never bothered to find out where they were.
River
Deleteaqueducts were essential during long drought periods in any country that suffered from them. So how was Madeira so clever in their small country while Australia, huge in size, couldn't manage much of the desert?
Thanks for the history and it does sound and look like a lovely place to visit.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
DeleteEuropeans find the islands beautiful and relatively cheap, so 2.5 million tourists go there each year. But Australians may not even know where Madeira islands are.
I have never been to that part of the world but it always sounded so attractive to me. You have only enhanced that idea!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see it, the history, the food and the natural environment make a great combo
kylie
Deleteread about the history before you leave home, then you can enjoy the food, natural environment and city architecture at leisure. Next time you go to Spain and Portugal :)
Surrounded by the vast Atlantic Ocean far SW of the European continent, Madeira beckons with spectacular nature waiting to be explored. I was instantly blown away by the mountain landscape and the lush flora. I have never seen an island with such steep hills, enormous mountains and diverse microclimates.
ReplyDeleteMadeira is known as the Flower Island. It was blooming everywhere – gardens and along the roadside – giving me a feeling of spring with mild temperatures of over 20 °C by the coast.
Jill
Deletemany thanks. I went straight to the post and added a great photo of the Flower Festival.
A small Atlantic archipelago shaped by volcanic forces, exploration, sugar, wine, and tourism, where centuries of history and culture seem woven seamlessly into its spectacular landscapes.
ReplyDeleteroentare
DeleteEven more amazing, most of that beauty and culture are on the main island of Madeira which covers an area of 741 square ks. Malta is smaller but I cannot think of too many other places.
By the way, wine should come first :) Dry Madeira is delicious served chilled.