Santana Houses | Madeira

Santana Houses (Casas de Santana) are one of the most iconic and picturesque features of the Madeira Island, located in the northern part of the island, in the town of Santana. These traditional houses, often referred to as "triangular houses" or "thatched houses", are a distinctive part of Madeira's cultural heritage and offer a unique glimpse into the island's rural life and architectural history.

1. Architecture and Design

• Traditional A-Frame Structure: The Santana Houses are best known for their A-frame shape, with steeply sloped roofs that help prevent the accumulation of rainwater, which is frequent in the mountainous areas of Madeira. The roofs are typically made from thatched straw or wooden shingles, contributing to their rustic, charming appearance.
• Construction Materials: The walls of the houses are usually built from local stone, while the roofs are thatched using reed or straw. The construction methods and materials were traditionally chosen to withstand the island’s often harsh weather conditions, with strong winds and frequent rain.
• Bright Colors: The houses are often painted in bright colors, such as red, blue, and white, creating a vibrant contrast against the lush green surroundings. The bright colors also serve to make the houses more visible in the misty, fog-covered mountains of northern Madeira.

2. Historical and Cultural Significance

• Origin: The Santana Houses have been a part of Madeira’s cultural landscape for centuries, dating back to the early colonial period. These houses were originally built as homes for local farmers and their families. The design was practical, providing warmth and shelter from the cool, damp climate of the island’s northern regions.
• Rural Life: These traditional houses were used for both residential and agricultural purposes. Farmers lived in them and also kept their livestock, such as chickens, goats, and sheep, in the lower part of the house or nearby. The agricultural lifestyle of the area relied heavily on the production of crops such as potatoes, cabbage, and corn, and these houses were built to fit into the landscape and the needs of rural communities.
• Symbol of Madeira’s Heritage: Today, the Santana Houses are seen as an emblem of Madeira’s rural and agricultural heritage. They represent the resourcefulness of the island's people, adapting to the challenging environment with simple yet effective construction techniques.

3. Location and Visitor Experience

• Santana Village: The Santana Houses are primarily located in the village of Santana, which is nestled in the lush, mountainous region of northern Madeira. The village is a popular stop for visitors exploring the island’s natural beauty and traditional culture.
• Santana Theme Park: One of the best places to see these traditional houses is at the Santana Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira), which is a cultural and environmental park designed to showcase the history and traditions of Madeira. The park has a section dedicated to the Santana Houses, where you can see several of these houses up close and even enter them to explore the traditional interiors.
• Living Museums: Some of the Santana Houses are still inhabited, while others are preserved as part of living museums, where visitors can learn about the history, construction methods, and way of life of Madeira’s past generations. The interiors of these houses are often furnished with period-appropriate furniture and tools, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life on the island.

4. Interior Features

• Simple Living Spaces: The interior of a traditional Santana House is modest, with an emphasis on functionality. The ground floor often served as a storage area for food and farming tools, while the upper floor was the living space for the family.
• Chimney and Fireplaces: The houses often have a central hearth or fireplace, where the family would gather for warmth and cooking. In the colder months, the hearth would be the focal point of the home.
• Furnishings: The interiors are furnished with simple wooden furniture, including benches, tables, and chairs, typical of rural life. The houses would also have handcrafted items, such as woven baskets, hand tools, and farm implements, offering a historical look at the tools of the trade.

5. Santana Houses and Nature

• Integration with the Landscape: The Santana Houses are often found in stunning natural settings, surrounded by the lush, green forests of Madeira’s mountains. The houses are often located near levadas (irrigation channels), providing beautiful views of the island’s rugged terrain, waterfalls, and valleys.
• Protected Environment: The region around Santana is part of the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is known for its biodiversity, with a wide variety of plant and animal species unique to Madeira. Visiting the Santana Houses allows tourists to experience the island’s unique nature, as well as its cultural heritage.

6. Best Time to Visit

• Weather Considerations: While the Santana Houses can be visited year-round, the best time to visit is during spring and summer, when the weather is warmer and the lush landscape is in full bloom. The northern region of Madeira can be quite rainy in the winter months, which might affect the experience of walking around the area, although the houses themselves are resilient to the wet climate.
• Festivals: Visiting during one of the local festivals, such as the Madeira Flower Festival or the Santana Agricultural Festival, can provide a more immersive experience, as the village comes alive with cultural displays, music, and traditional dances.

7. How to Get There

• By Car: Santana is located about 30 km (19 miles) northeast of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The easiest way to reach the village and see the Santana Houses is by car, taking the ER101 road. The drive offers beautiful views of the island’s coastline and mountains.
• Public Transport: Public buses from Funchal also connect to Santana, although the schedule may not be as frequent, and the trip can take longer. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is often the most convenient way to explore the area.

8. Santana Houses and Local Crafts

• Handmade Souvenirs: Visitors to the Santana Houses often have the opportunity to purchase traditional Madeiran crafts, such as woven baskets, embroidered linens, and wooden carvings, which reflect the island’s artisanal heritage. Many of the nearby shops and market stalls sell handcrafted goods made by local artisans.

9. Conclusion

Santana Houses are a striking symbol of Madeira’s rural history and architectural tradition. These charming, triangular thatched homes not only showcase the island's cultural heritage but also offer visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life as it was for Madeira’s early settlers. Whether you’re interested in the architecture, the history, or the surrounding natural beauty, a visit to the Santana Houses provides a memorable and enriching experience for anyone exploring Madeira.