Laurissilva Forest, in Madeira
Laurel forest, also called Laurissilva, is a type of subtropical forest found in areas with high humidity and relatively stable, mild temperatures. The forest is characterized by broadleaf tree species with evergreen, glossy and elongated leaves, known as “laurophyll” or “lauroid”. Plants from the laurel family (Lauraceae) may or may not be present, depending on the location.…
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The Levadas, From Irrigation Channels to Walking Trails in Madeira Island
Levada is an irrigation channel or aqueduct specific to the island of Madeira. The name levada derived from the word “levar”,…
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João Gonçalves Zarco, Explorer and First Captain of Funchal
João Gonçalves Zarco (c. 1390 – 21 November 1471) was a Portuguese explorer who established settlements and recognition of the Madeira Islands, and was appointed first captain of Funchal by Henry the Navigator. Zarco was born in Portugal, and became a knight at the service of Prince Henry the Navigator‘s household.…
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Cathedral of Funchal
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção in Sé, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Funchal, which encompasses…
The Wine Museum, in Funchal
The Wine Museum is integrated in the Madeira Wine Institute and brings together a diverse estate on the cycles of cultivation,…
House of João Esmeraldo, Archaeological Excavation in Funchal
João Esmeraldo, Jeanin Esmerandt or Esmenaut, born in Bethume in the county of Artois, came from Bruges to Lisbon in 1480,…
Porto Santo Island, Physical geography
The island is characterized by two areas: the accidented northeast (mountainous, with rocky ledges and cliffs), and a coastal plain in the southwest…
Madeira Island and The World War II
Portugal in World War II was neutral, but Salazar’s decision to stick with the oldest alliance in the world, cemented by the Treaty of…
Madeira Islands and Islets
Islands and islets Madeira (740.7 km2), including Ilhéu de Agostinho, Ilhéu de São Lourenço, Ilhéu Mole (northwest); Porto Santo (42.5 km2), including Ilhéu de Baixo…
Cabo Girão Viewpoint
Cabo Girão is a popular lookout point, especially after a glass-floored viewing platform was installed in October 2012. It is situated…
Baía d´Abra Viewpoint
Located in Ponta de S. Lourenço, the peninsula is more to this island so christened with the caravel the name of…
Senhor dos Milagres em Machico Viewpoint, in Machico
The viewpoint of the Lord of Miracles in Machico, is just 60m above sea level. The Lord of Miracles is one…
Museu da Baleia, The Whale Museum, in Funchal
To preserve the heritage and the historical record of whaling in Madeira,…
Quinta das Cruzes Museum, in Funchal
The Quinta das Cruzes Museum consists of the former residence of Morgados…
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Funchal
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Funchal has a vast collection of…
House & Museum Frederico de Freitas, in Funchal
Installed in the Palace Promenade, once belonging to the Counts of Calçada,…
Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal
The museum consists of collections of paintings, sculpture, jewelery and vestments, chronologically…
Natural History Museum and Municipal Aquarium, in Funchal
With the invaluable action of Dr. Günther Maul, eminent taxidermist…
The Archipelago of Madeira Geography
The archipelago of Madeira is located 520 km (280 nmi) from the African coast…
Madeira in the World War I
On 31 December 1916 during the Great War, the German U-boat, SM U-38, captained by Max Valentiner,…
