Leite Monteiro Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Madeira > Funchal > Monte > Lajinhas

Location

Leite Monteiro Park is located in the Monte area, in Funchal. Also known as Monte Park, it is situated in an elevated position, making it one of the highest municipal gardens in the region.

Located in the Lajinhas area, this green space borders the churchyard of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte and has Largo da Fonte as its main access point, marking its entrance at the lowest part.

History and Name

The creation of this park dates back to the late 19th century, a time when Monte was attracting an increasing number of visitors. Construction work began in 1894, with the first phase completed around 1899.

Originally designed for local beautification, the park was named Leite Monteiro Park in homage to the then president of Funchal City Council. Although it underwent a brief name change after the establishment of the Republic, the original designation was later restored and remains to this day, despite it being commonly referred to as Monte Park. In the late 20th century, the park underwent significant requalification works that revitalized it.

A Natural Environment

With a considerable area, the park offers an environment of great natural immersion. Exploring its paths, one finds a remarkable diversity of flora, including both local species and some originating from other places. Several ancient trees stand out, bearing witness to the history of the site.

The space was designed in a style that seeks to emulate the informality of nature, with freely growing plants and paths that integrate into the hillside. A small stream crosses the park, contributing to the feeling of freshness and serenity, especially in its lower part.

Distinctive Elements

Upon exploring the park, several elements are discovered that enrich the visit. Near the main entrance, in Largo da Fonte, there is an old bandstand and the Fountain of the Virgin. This fountain, rebuilt in marble at the end of the 19th century, features a niche with the image of Our Lady of Monte, serving as a landmark and, at times, a place of devotion.

Further up, between the fountain area and the church, there is a lake where, at its center, a curious representation of the Island of Madeira crafted in stone stands out. The pedestrian paths that cross the park are frequently paved with small cobblestones, a detail that reinforces the traditional atmosphere of the place.

The Landscape and Topography

The topography of Leite Monteiro Park, with its steep sloping terrain, is one of its defining characteristics. The space develops on a hillside, creating different levels and perspectives as one navigates it.

This configuration allows the paths to wind through the vegetation, ascending from the entrance area closer to the church level. The park's very shape, sometimes described as a fan or an open book, integrates into the natural and urban landscape of Monte.

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