Curral das Freiras
Curral das Freiras, Civil parish in Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal
Description
Curral das Freiras occupies a deep mountain valley surrounded by steep cliffs that rise over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), creating a naturally protected settlement in the central region of Madeira.
History
In 1566, nuns from the Convent of Santa Clara sought refuge in this remote valley to escape pirate attacks on Funchal, bringing their convent treasures and giving the village its name, which means Pen of the Nuns.
Culture
The annual Chestnut Festival celebrates the locally grown chestnuts with traditional sweets, music, and regional crafts, while the Ginja Cherry Festival honors another important crop through community celebrations and culinary demonstrations.
Practical
A single tunnel road built in 2004 provides the main access route from Funchal, connecting this formerly isolated community with the capital and improving transportation for residents and visitors.
Did you know?
The valley's terraced hillsides support cultivation of sweet cherries and chestnuts at elevations near 1,500 feet (457 meters), producing regional specialties that have sustained the local agricultural economy for centuries.
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This collection covers the main natural areas and cultural sites across Madeira, a Portuguese island of volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean. The route connects coastal regions with highland areas, showcasing the diverse vegetation that results from the subtropical climate and varied elevation...
Pico Ruivo
4.8 km
Pico do Arieiro
3.8 km
Achada do Teixeira
6.5 km
Madeira Natural Park
2.3 km
Pico das Torres
4.2 km
Levada do Furado
7.8 km
Laurisilva of Madeira
6 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça
5.7 km
Miradouro do Paredão
1.2 km
Pico Grande
2.8 km
"Bussardnest"
3.7 km
Estação de Radar N.º 4
3.9 km
Balcões
7.4 kmBoca dos Namorados
3 km
Levada do Curral e Castelejo
2.5 km
Espigão
6.3 km
Quinta do Jamboto
5.9 km
Pico Ruivo
4.8 km
Caldeirão do Inferno
5.3 km
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Alegria
6.3 km
Poço da Neve
3.9 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Livramento
63 m
Miradouro da Eira do Serrado
1.2 km
Levadas of Madeira Island
1.3 km
Poço Dos Chefes
465 m
Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo
5 km
Beco da Jacinta
6.3 km
Pico das Pedras
4.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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