Farm Garden of Our Lady of Good Voyage

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Madeira > Santa Cruz > Santa Cruz

Location

The Garden of Quintinha de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem is serenely situated in the locality of Santa Cruz, on the island of Madeira. Located in the homonymous municipality, this green space benefits from the natural surroundings and the Atlantic breeze characteristic of this coastal area. It offers a peaceful refuge, integrated into the landscape that surrounds the city, allowing its visitors to enjoy a calm and welcoming environment.

Its location in Santa Cruz lends it a distinct atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle, yet easily accessible for those seeking a moment of quietude and appreciation for nature and local heritage. It is a point of interest that complements the Madeiran experience, inviting a leisurely exploration of its nooks and crannies.

Legacy and Characteristic

This garden is part of a "quintinha," a term that in Madeira evokes historic rural properties, often linked to old agricultural exploitations or stately residences. The name "Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem" (Our Lady of Good Journey) gives it a symbolic and cultural aspect, suggesting a connection to faith and protection, elements deeply rooted in island culture, particularly for those who lived from the sea or embarked on long journeys.

The presence of a garden in a quintinha reflects the tradition of creating spaces of beauty and tranquility next to dwellings, where nature is cultivated and harmonized. Its full name invites contemplation, not only of the flora but also of the meaning of a past where devotion and connection to the land and sea intertwined in daily life.

The Landscape Environment

As a typical garden of Madeira, the Garden of Quintinha de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem displays a vegetal exuberance, a result of the subtropical climate and soil fertility. It is a place where visitors can stroll along defined paths, lined with a diversity of floral and shrub species, many of them endemic or adapted to the island.

The landscape design, while perhaps not grand, aims to provide an immersive experience in nature. It is a space where the color of flowers, the aroma of plants, and the song of birds combine to create a relaxing atmosphere. It offers an environment conducive to careful observation of flora, rest, and meditation, revealing the beauty of Madeiran gardening on a more intimate scale.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt