The vernacular habitat
The traditional habitat consists of small houses with thatched roofs. Next to the thatched cottages are other thatched cottages that serve as kitchens or sheds. Remnants of the past, some houses made entirely of lime wood or vinhático (endemic laurel) remain, especially in the Santana region. This type of dwelling is based on large tree trunks, which in turn are supported on heavy stones to provide protection against humidity and winter rain. Thatch, a product of cereal harvests, was not only inexpensive, but was also known for its insulating qualities. Depending on the village, the houses could take different shapes, from oval to rectangular. But when you go to the north of the island, you will find the most common model, with houses characterized by a triangular façade and a steeply sloping roof that slopes down on the other three sides. The roof, composed of several layers of thatch, extends well beyond the facade, providing protection from both sun and rain. There is also a small garden around the building. Since the 2010's, the government has put in place policies to preserve these houses, which are the pride of the island and preserve the local tradition. Many have also been restored to accommodate the many tourists who wish to enjoy the island's unique habitat. These houses are among the most photographed in the world.
Manueline art and baroque style
If Manueline art is a term used since the 19th century, the style has its origins in the period of the Great Portuguese Discoveries. During the reign of Manuel I, Portugal was one of the greatest powers in the world. Many artists then settled in the country to create, and from these different encounters with diverse influences, Manueline art was born. In Portuguese art, it is defined as the transformation of the Gothic, which then begins to decline in the rest of Europe. This style, characterized by playful and imaginative decorations, reflects the great maritime expeditions of the time and the resulting encounters with other cultures. The decorative motifs evoke a mixture of Romanesque and flamboyant Gothic, as can be seen in some of the capital's landmark monuments: the Alfândega, the convent of Santa Clara or the colegio dos Jesuitas.
Many churches in Madeira reveal elements of Manueline style. Their creators invent fables about distant and exotic lands. To contemplate and enter some of the most beautiful religious buildings on the Island you should not hesitate to leave Funchal and visit other cities. To Santa Cruz to see the igreja of São Salvador, then to Machico to see the details of the igreja of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. We have there with these buildings two other very beautiful examples of the splendours of Manueline art.
During the Spanish occupation, few new buildings were constructed. The 18th century marked the advent of Baroque art. Thanks to the gold of Brazil, Madeira participates in the efflorescence of this style, especially for religious buildings. To see an example of this, and even the one that is considered the largest Baroque church on the Island, it is advisable to go to the foot of the Igreja Matriz de São Jorge, which was built in 1761 in the municipality of the same name.The quintas, old colonial houses
Impossible to go to Madeira without admiring some of the most beautiful quintas
. It was in the 18th century, on the outskirts of the capital city of Funchal, that these old farmhouses were transformed into beautiful villas with a colonial baroque style. The quintas are set amidst flowery gardens, which are also home to a private chapel, vegetable garden and small houses for the enjoyment of the locals. These vast mansions have now become museums, such as the Quinta das Cruzes Museum, which houses Portuguese and foreign furniture, jewellery, sculptures and ceramics. They are also places that serve as high-end hotels. These include the Quinta do Furão, an establishment on the northeast coast of the island, and the Quintinha São João, a historic mansion with an outdoor pool and spa.The link between the history of sugar and furniture
The azulejos, influence of continental Portugal
Azulejos, typical of Portuguese architecture, are very present in Madeira. The word comes from the Arabic al zuleiq , which means "small polished stone", as the tradition of ceramics goes back to the Middle Ages and the presence of the Moors. These tiles used to decorate monuments are the result of a mass production that took place in the late seventeenth century. The tiles have evolved over time and bear the marks of the main styles that have succeeded in Portugal, from Manueline to Art Deco. You can see some more or less recent ones on the facades of public buildings, banks, houses, hotels, and even a Japanese car dealership, in short, everywhere! We find on the azulejos religious scenes, but not only, it can also be scenes of everyday life. To see beautiful compositions, you have to go to the entrance of the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal.
If blue and white dominate, the tiles can also have other colors that symbolize natural elements such as flowers, fruits and foliage.A place for the contemporary?
Madeira is not the place for those who dream of seeing contemporary architecture in abundance. But it is worth noting that there are some interesting architectural monuments, starting with the Casino de Madeira, the work of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, which was inaugurated in 1976. Its circular design and the buttresses that surround the main structure are reminiscent of another monument built by the artist: the Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida in Brasília.
Located in the municipality of Calheta, 30 minutes from Funchal, the Mudas-Museu de Arte Contemporânea was designed by architect Paulo David. It is an extension of the House of Culture of Calheta and was built with volcanic rocks. Its overall architecture is sober and the monument has received international awards for its perfect integration into the local landscape. From this fascinating contemporary museum, one can enjoy more breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding hills.
