Quinta do Revoredo Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Madeira > Santa Cruz > Santa Cruz > S. Sebastião

Location

The Quinta do Revoredo Park is located in the heart of the city of Santa Cruz, on the picturesque south coast of the island of Madeira. Situated on Rua Bela de São José, this space offers an unobstructed view of the vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean, benefiting from its south-facing exposure. Its central position in the locality allows for easy access and invites a peaceful stroll through the urban surroundings of S. Sebastião.

Memory of an English Past

The history of Quinta do Revoredo Park dates back to the 19th century, when, in 1840, the land was acquired by the English merchant John Blandy. The aim was to create his summer residence here, away from Funchal. The Blandy family, pioneers in the Madeira wine trade, left a significant mark on the island. Later, his grandson, Charles Frederick Raleigh Blandy, a notable watercolorist passionate about Madeiran landscapes and Santa Cruz, made this quinta his main home. Much of his work is today exhibited at the Funchal Natural History Museum, but it was in an annex of this property, now the Municipal Library, that the artist had his painting and photography studio.

A Garden with a Soul

The garden of Quinta do Revoredo extends over a rectangular terrace directly overlooking the ocean, offering a serene environment with lawns, trees, and shrubs. The paths are adorned with the traditional Madeiran cobblestone, made of small basalt pebbles, a common feature in the quintas of the 18th and 19th centuries. The name "Revoredo" is a tribute to its arboreal richness, highlighting centuries-old specimens of Madeira's autochthonous flora, such as the imposing dragon trees and the rare tis. Among the vegetation, there are also some contemporary sculptures that invite contemplation and dialogue with nature and art.

Active Cultural Centre

After being acquired and restored by the Santa Cruz Municipal Council in 1988, the quinta's main house gained a new life as the Casa da Cultura de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz House of Culture). This space is now a vibrant hub of cultural activities, hosting exhibitions, plastic arts and photography workshops, and events in an open-air auditorium. Together with the Municipal Library and the Municipal Band's headquarters, the quinta's historic buildings keep their essence alive, integrating local heritage with contemporary cultural dynamics. The main house, with its two floors and a small tower that once served as a "ship-watcher," continues to be an architectural landmark within the park.

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