Santa Catarina Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Ilhéus

Location

Santa Catarina Park is located in a central area of Funchal, offering a privileged location for visitors to the city. Situated at a higher elevation relative to sea level, the park overlooks the port and the bay. This geographical layout allows for a broad and unobstructed perspective of the surrounding landscape, integrating the sea, the port's activity, and the urban fabric of Funchal.

It is an easily accessible location within the city's main area, serving as a point of reference and a place for a break during a stroll through the area. The view offered from various points within the park encompasses the entire bay, extending eastward to Ponta do Garajau.

A Green and Diverse Space

With a considerable area of 36,000 m², the park constitutes one of the largest green spaces in the heart of Funchal. Its central element is a vast open lawn, inviting for moments of outdoor relaxation or simply enjoying the atmosphere. This lawn is bordered by pathways and well-maintained flowerbeds.

While strolling through the park, one encounters a great diversity of botanical species, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Many of these species originate from different parts of the world, with a special focus on tropical and subtropical climates, creating a varied environment rich in colors and textures throughout the year.

Natural and Scenic Elements

Santa Catarina Park also includes an artificial lake that adds an aquatic element to the landscape. This lake, supplied by a levada (irrigation channel), features fountains and a small island at its center.

The island was designed to serve as a refuge and safe place for aquatic birds that frequent the park, such as ducks and swans, providing them with a space to rest and nest. The presence of these birds contributes to the peaceful and natural atmosphere of the place, making the lake a point of interest and observation.

Historical and Sculptural Legacy

The site where the park is located has a history spanning centuries. One of the oldest structures in the area, and integrated into the park, is the Chapel of Santa Catarina. Built in 1425 on the initiative of D. Constança, wife of João Gonçalves Zarco, this chapel represents a link to the early settlement of Madeira.

In addition to the chapel's historical dimension, the park houses various sculptural works of art. Statues of prominent historical figures, such as Infante D. Henrique and Christopher Columbus, are present, linking the space to the Age of Discoveries. Other sculptures are also found, honoring different aspects of Madeiran life and culture, such as the representation of the Madeiran Worker or a monument dedicated to aviators Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral.

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