FUNCHAL CELEBRATES IT’S FIFTH CENTENARY THIS YEAR WITH A YEAR LONG PROGRAMME OF COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
The capital city of Madeira Island was discovered in 1419. The name “Funchal” was given to the town due to the abundance of fennel (“Funcho”) on the island when discovered.
Due to the exploration of sugar cane, Madeira became an international base for the production and distribution of sugar late in the 15th century (then referred to as “white gold”.) Merchants from different European countries travelled to Madeira’s Funchal harbour - including Christopher Columbus, who lived in Funchal for some time and married Filipa Moniz, the daughter of Bartolomeu Perestrelo who was the captain of Porto Santo. The island also became famous throughout Europe for its climate, specifically for people suffering from pulmonary illnesses; the year-round mild climatic conditions were thought to aid and cure these illnesses.
Those visiting the island during 2008 can look forward to a variety of commemorative cultural entertainment events and festivities. A good place to start when holidaying in Madeira Island is by visiting the Madeira Story Centre, an interactive contemporary state of the art museum located in the old town of Funchal. The museum provides an excellent guide to Madeira Island’s history, not just from the settlement period, but all the way back to when this volcanic island was formed. It blends history with geological formation very effectively and the interaction and entertainment value appeals to the whole family ! Surf through the Madeira Story Centre’s Website for a peek at the museum. Full details of the commemoration programme for the 5th Centenary Celebrations in Funchal may be obtained by visiting the official Funchal 500 year’s website.