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A Fond Retrospect Of Santana In Madeira
The knowledgeable holidaymaker will already know that the Madeiran Archipelago promises an almost seeming endless source of unique places to visit, features to uncover and activities to enjoy. Despite this, there is maybe no other popular tourist spot on Madeira that offers the day-tripper such a simple way to sample at first hand the traditional ways of life of the local inhabitants. To the initiated, who already understand the significant roll religion played in Madeira's past, it will not be surprising that the designation Santana means Saint Anne. In keeping with almost any other village, town or city that has grown from an ancient settlement, Santana was built around the site of a small, original church. However, it is not for its churches, or the beauty of their architecture, that Santana is renown. The parish of Santana is probably the area with the most diverse crop profile on the entire island. Apple, cherry and pear orchards are interspersed with fields of cabbages, carrots, maize and potatoes. All the crops are organically cultivated, free from the use of fertilizers or pesticides. This may make the final harvest more unsightly than most of us will be accustomed as wholly organic methods struggle to offset the worse effects of pests and blight. If you are put off by the outward appearance of the fruit in the local shops, then just remember this proverb that is well known amongst the locals: the ugly fruit tastes the best. Take my word for it, I can definitely offer an unbiased opinion that this proverb is, without a doubt, accurate. As you travel through the countryside, heading into the essence of Santana, you will start to see an increasing number of strange, A-shaped shed-like buildings. Small, triangular and seemingly unmaintained, or even derelict, these structures provide you with just a taste of the delight that awaits you in the center of Santana. These weird constructions carry the affectionate name of Palheiros, which in English translates as haystacks. The descriptive name may confuse you as, nowadays, most Palheiros are topped with corrugated iron that is angled steeply down either side to ground level from a center apex. What is not obvious to the contemporary observer is that the wooden framed, A-shaped Palheiros were primary sheds for cows that traditionally had a bundled straw roof - whence sprung the name. However, it is not until you broach the centre of Santana that you realise that there exists a totally different purpose for the Palheiros. For here, you will find essentially the same structures serving not as cowsheds but as homes for people. Of course, for this purpose the Palheiros are finished to a more appealing design. But, as you look at the wooden doors that have been painted in bright red and the bright green of the window frames in the the white-washed walls recollect that, in truth, you are looking at nothing more than a slightly larger cowshed. Maybe even more surprising is the fact that, thanks to a municipal subsidy, local families still occupy a number of these Palheiros as their only residence. You will even find some houses are open to the public. If you feel so incline and enter on of these tiny homes you are likely to witness a varnished wooden floor supporting a few items of wooden furniture and a ladder with a few rungs at the rear leading up to minimal sleeping quarters. The illusion of a bygone era is completed by the white lace and the absence of a television. Santana is certainly a tourist centre where the past comes alive in modern Madeira and it is highly recommended as an interesting and unrivalled spot to visit. Resources: http://www.love-madeira.com http://www.love-madeira.com/santana-madeira.html © All Rights Reserved: You may only republish this article or extracts, provided the text, author credit, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Jimmy James B.Sc (Hons) is the founder and contributing editor of the essential Madeira travel information website. He is a keen traveller and an independent writer. He has seen at first hand Madeira on numerous occasions and some of his experiences there have contributed to his more than 30 years of writing for the offline trade press. To view tourist information about this fascinating destination read the Santana, Madeira complete guide. |
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