Snowy Hill

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Monte

Location

The Poço da Neve (Snow Well) stands on the slope of Pico do Areeiro, a mountainous area that is part of Monte, in the municipality of Funchal. Situated at a considerable altitude, close to 1650 meters, this location offers a distinct natural environment, nestled within the vast Funchal Ecological Park. From here, one can admire the surrounding mountain landscape, in a scenery that stretches to the bay of Funchal.

Its isolated and rural, yet accessible, position invites a visit for those seeking historical elements in harmony with the island's nature. Access to the Poço da Neve is via a duly signposted path, from the regional road, and the monument itself stands on a plinth adapted to the terrain's slope, flanked by a paved walkway with a rustic railing.

Architecture and Design

This construction is a remarkable example of engineering and adaptation to the mountain environment. It features a circular plan, carefully excavated into the ground. The exterior structure is protected by a robust masonry roof, resembling a semi-spherical cap. Inside, there is a cylindrical cavity, a well in fact, also covered by a dome, designed to insulate and preserve its contents.

The materials used in its construction are predominantly local, with a structure made of regional stone. The entrance to the well is marked by an opening with a straight lintel, protected by an iron gridded door. This design reflects its primary function of storage and conservation, taking advantage of the altitude's climatic conditions for a practical purpose.

Memory of an Icy Past

The Poço da Neve is a unique testament to an era before artificial refrigeration, when human ingenuity relied on natural resources to meet daily needs. Built in the 19th century, around 1813, this well was constructed with the purpose of collecting and storing the snow and ice that formed in the high Madeiran mountains during the winter months. Its estimated capacity was about 265 cubic meters, allowing ice to be kept at low temperatures for long periods.

Its origin is linked to the initiative of an Italian, who was involved in making sorbets in Funchal, demonstrating the importance this resource had for urban life at the time. Books and records from the period confirm the existence and use of this well, highlighting the crucial role of natural ice in confectionery and in supporting institutions like hospitals, before the arrival of ice production technologies.

Ice and Old Urban Life

The utility of the Poço da Neve went far beyond simple storage. Once collected and preserved, the ice was transported from the mountain heights to Funchal, an arduous task performed by men. The process involved carrying the ice in leather bags, often placed in baskets, and transporting it on their backs along mountain paths and trails to the city.

This practice, predating modern refrigeration technologies, showcases the resilience and inventiveness of the Madeiran community. The ice was then distributed, serving to cool drinks, produce the much-appreciated sorbets, and even for medicinal purposes in hospitals. Today, the Poço da Neve is recognized as an important historical-cultural landmark, allowing us to glimpse a fascinating facet of life and daily practices in Madeira of yesteryear.

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