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Madeira, Botanical Garden Monte, Funchal.
historic areas – Sao Pedro which gained its importance in the 15th century with noble families building in the area, including first governor Joao Goncalves Zaroc; Santa Maria to the east of the urban centre,
one of the first areas to be inhabited, with much of its architectural heritage intact; and Se, with its 16th century cathedral, government buildings, fortress, bishops palace and Jesuit seminary and college. In Rua Santa Maria and nearby roads, see strikingly-painted doors, part of the Arte Portas Abertas (Art Open Doors) project begun in 2011.
PRODUCE MARKETS
Madeira’s climate, soils and varied terrain grow an enormous assortment of fruits and vegetables – Mediterranean crops
like citrus grapes and figs; temperate fruit trees like chestnuts, apples, cherries and plums in the cooler valleys; and higher up tropical crops such as bananas, custard apple, guava, mango, passion fruit. There is an amazing array of colourful flowers, and a bountiful supply of seafood, including the local specialty espada (scabbard fish). See these all on display in the two-story 1940s art-deco Mercado dos Lavradores (Workers Market) in Funchal old town.
A feast for the eyes, nose and stomach, be sure to take your camera. Upstairs stalls sell local handcrafted embroidery, willow wickerwork and leather goods. Open Mon- Fri 7am-8pm and Sat 7-2pm. Closed Sunday and public holidays.
GARDENS, PARKS & FLORA
Once referred to as the ‘floating garden
of the Atlantic’, and in 2000 earning gold in the European Flowering City awards, the government-run Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) opened in 1960, draping down the hillside of Quinta do Bom Sucesso, private estate of the Reid family. In this exuberant display of more than 2,000 plants in geometric forms
and dazzling contrasts of colour, patrons appreciate plants labelled with their common and scientific names and origin. The gardens include sections of indigenous and endemic plants from Madeira and nearby Atlantic islands; a garden of
trees from diverse regions of the world;
a succulent garden; tropical, cultivated, aromatic and medicinal plants including tropical fruit trees and coffee; and a park of
Monte Palace Tropican Garden. Funchal.
Downhill fast in Funchal.
38 JANUARY 2018