Public laundries

Category: Civil Architecture > Washhouses

District: Madeira > Calheta > Prazeres > Picos

Location

Situated in the Picos area, these washhouses are located in the locality of Prazeres, a picturesque parish in the municipality of Calheta. This area is characterized by its rural ambiance, where the green landscape intertwines with modest local constructions, offering a glimpse into traditional Madeiran life. The location, slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of more urbanized areas, invites tranquility and contemplation of the surrounding natural environment.

A Community Legacy

The public washhouses in Picos are not merely stone tanks; they represent an important legacy of past community life. In the past, these places were central to the daily routines of the population, serving not only as a space for washing clothes but also as crucial points in the distribution of water used for irrigating agricultural fields. They were spaces for meeting and sharing, where conversations and work mingled, weaving the social fabric of the rural community.

Preservation and Rural Art

The restoration of these old washhouses was undertaken with the aim of preserving and valuing the built rural heritage. The restoration project sought to maintain the original identity of the space, using materials that respect local aesthetics and tradition. One of the most distinctive elements is the application of a panel of artisanal tiles, which, with their representations, narrate the realities and customs of country life in times gone by, adding an artistic and evocative touch to the ensemble.

Setting and Serenity

Beyond their historical function and recovered architectural beauty, the surrounding space of the washhouses was designed as an area for leisure and rest. This setting allows visitors to enjoy an atmosphere of serenity, where they can observe the rural landscape and reflect on Madeiran history and traditions. It is a place that invites a tranquil pause, providing an immersive experience into the rural daily life that shaped this region.

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