Monte Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Desterro

Location

Monte Palace is located in Funchal, in the Monte area, within the zone known as Desterro. Its elevated position, in the natural amphitheater embracing the city, offers wide views over Funchal Bay. The space extends across an altitude ranging from 475 to 567 meters, providing a walking experience through different levels and perspectives of the surrounding landscape.

A Historical Legacy

The history of Monte Palace dates back to the 18th century, when the property was a private estate, acquired by Charles Murray, the English consul, and known as Quinta do Belmonte. At the end of the 19th century, in 1897, Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues purchased the estate and built an imposing mansion. This building was later transformed into a hotel, the "Monte Palace Hotel", inaugurated in 1904. Years later, in 1987, the property was acquired by José Manuel Rodrigues Berardo, who began extensive restoration and transformation work. In 1991, the space was opened to the public, assuming its current identity as a landmark garden.

Botanical Richness

Spanning an area of 70,000 square meters, Monte Palace houses an impressive collection of botanical species, originating from various parts of the world. The garden was meticulously reforested, now showcasing luxuriant vegetation with over 100,000 plant specimens. Among the notable collections are the centuries-old cycads, some of which are considered living fossils, and a vast representation of species from South Africa. There are also examples of endemic Madeiran plants, such as the rare Mocano and trees from the Laurisilva forest, as well as millennial olive trees from Alentejo.

An Artistic and Cultural Setting

Throughout its pathways, Monte Palace presents a fusion of nature with various artistic and cultural expressions. A vast collection of Portuguese tilework stands out, with panels depicting episodes from Portugal's history, ranging from the 15th to the 20th century. The garden also incorporates elements of oriental inspiration, with constructions such as a Buddhist temple, pagodas, bridges, and lanterns, integrated into spaces that recreate the aesthetic of Chinese and Japanese gardens. There is also a diversity of coats of arms, sculptures, and niches that enrich the ambiance. The mansion, which retains much of its original design, now sits on a platform offering a panoramic view over Funchal. Inside one of the buildings, two permanent collections can be explored: "African Passion", featuring sculptures from Zimbabwe, and "Secrets of Mother Nature", which displays a collection of minerals from different parts of the world.

Aquatic and Wildlife

The various lakes and water mirrors that punctuate the garden are a central element in the landscape composition. In these aquatic environments, it is possible to observe various species, such as the vibrant Koi fish, known for their colors and graceful movements. The main lake is also home to elegant white swans, and at times, peacocks roam freely, adding vibrancy to the space. The integration of these species contributes to a dynamic and serene environment, inviting a moment of peaceful observation.

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