Boa Vista Farm

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Rochinha

Location

Quinta da Boa Vista is located in Funchal, in the Rochinha area, more precisely on Rua Lombo da Boa Vista. Positioned on a hillside at an altitude of about 150 meters, it offers a broad, southwest-facing perspective of the city and its bay. Although close to the center, approximately two kilometers away, this property is integrated into the urban fabric while preserving a tranquil and distinct atmosphere.

A Historical Legacy

This property is one of the oldest quintas in Funchal, with its origins dating back to the 17th century. Over time, Quinta da Boa Vista has served various functions, from a vegetable garden to a flower farm. In the 19th century, it was acquired by the Garton family, who gave it the name by which it is known today.

Its renaissance as a place of excellence for botany occurred in the 1960s, when Cecil Garton and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of the orchid-growing pioneer Sir William Cooke, decided to dedicate the quinta to the cultivation and preservation of these flowers. The valuable orchid collection of the Cooke family was thus continued in Madeira, under the dedication of the Garton family, who maintain the tradition to this day.

The Orchid Garden and Exotic Species

Quinta da Boa Vista is recognized for its remarkable orchid collection, considered one of the most important in Madeira. The garden displays a wide range of species and hybrids from various parts of the world, including varieties such as Cattleya, Cymbidium, and Paphiopedilum.

In addition to orchids, the space also houses an interesting selection of bromeliads and other exotic plants, arranged in greenhouses and extensive agricultural areas with banana plantations. The terraced layout with walled terraces, a characteristic feature of the Funchal landscape, enhances the beauty of the pathways, revealing new botanical wonders at each level. It is worth noting that this quinta remained intact during the fires that ravaged the region in 2016.

Landscape Architecture and Panoramic Views

One of the distinctive elements of the quinta is its configuration of terraces and walled platforms, a traditional and valuable feature of Funchal's gardens. The irrigation of this space is ensured by the levada system, a testament to the ingenious water management on the island.

Taking advantage of its elevation, Quinta da Boa Vista offers unobstructed views over the city and the bay of Funchal. From the main house, located at the highest point of the property, it is possible to enjoy a panorama that invites contemplation of the urban and maritime landscape of the Madeiran capital.

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