Curral das Freiras

Curral das Freiras is an ancient village in Portugal, which is famous not only in the country, but also far beyond its borders. Portugal is a country where tourists can experience the beauty of nature, as well as see beautiful architectural monuments. The embodiment of these two elements is the Kurral das Freiras, which is patronized by the Virgin Mary.

History of origin

Curral das Freiras is a village that has been preserved on the island of Madeira since the 16th century. It is located in a valley, and it is difficult to get to it, because there are mountain ranges all around, which complicate arrival. But tourists like to watch the mountain landscapes that adorn this place.

The name Curral das Freiras has an interesting story: translated from Portuguese, this place is called the refuge of the nuns. This is due to the fact that in the middle of the 16th century, this island was attacked by ferocious pirates who began colonizing these places. The nuns were lucky to be able to hide in the valley and later founded their own settlement here, which lived "according to the old village ways." Unfortunately, this monastic community has not survived to this day, but to this day there is a calm and measured life in this settlement.

Features of the village

It is important to note that it was very difficult to get to Kurral das Freiras until 2010, as the way to the settlement lay through dangerous mountain trails, but now the way here lies through a modern tunnel for cars, thanks to which a significant influx of locals and tourists has increased here - about 100 thousand people visit this place annually..

The journey to the Curral das Freiras is best to start from the place of the Serrada, as it is here that the famous observation deck is located, where you can take very beautiful photos. Next, you should visit the settlement itself, and it is better to do this during the daytime, as you can catch an early church service, and you can also get to the local market, where local farmers sell their environmentally friendly products.

Kurral das Freirasz is an amazing place in the very center of the island of Madeira, which is becoming a real tourist corner of the entire Western Europe. Lovers of wildlife, as well as moderate living, should definitely come to this place for a few days and enjoy all the gifts of this amazing place.