Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Madeira > Santana > Santana > Serrado
The typical Santana House is located in the locality of Santana, in the municipality of the same name, a distinctive point of the island of Madeira. This singular dwelling is set in a rural and picturesque environment, characteristic of the north of the island, where the verdant landscape and the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean shape the visitor's experience. Its presence in Serrado, a specific area of Santana, gives it an authentic setting, transporting those who observe it to the traditional Madeiran atmosphere.
The surrounding area is marked by simplicity and natural beauty, offering a genuine perspective on the life and vernacular architecture of the region, in a discreet harmony with the green of the fields and the blue of the sky.
This house represents one of the most emblematic examples of traditional Madeiran architecture. It is distinguished by its pronounced triangular shape, with thatched roofs that almost touch the ground, giving it an unmistakable silhouette. The white color of its walls, adorned with vivid blue or red outlines, highlights its uniqueness in the surrounding scenery.
The thatched roof, made of wheat or rye straw, is not just an aesthetic element; it is an ingenious solution for the island's climatic conditions. This natural material provided effective thermal insulation, keeping the interior cool in the summer and warm in the winter, demonstrating the pragmatism and wisdom of past inhabitants in adapting to the environment.
The typical Santana House is not just a structure; it is a living testament to the agricultural and rural way of life that once dominated this part of the island. Its interior, when accessible, invites an understanding of the domestic organization and daily habits of past generations, revealing the simplicity and functionality that characterized these humble dwellings.
By preserving these constructions, the site offers an opportunity for reflection on the resilience and inventiveness of Madeiran communities, keeping alive the memory of a cultural and housing heritage that has become a recognized symbol of Santana and the island of Madeira.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 32.8024783,-16.8793963
Coordinates DMS: 32°48'8.9"N 16°52'45.8"W