Many Portuguese are looking for natural landscapes to find out their vacation during, but there is always the possibility of finding this kind of scenarios where it is least expected. In Portugal, for example, there is an isolated valley between mountains where a party takes place every year. In addition, the one who is considered a ‘secret’ place was the hiding place of several nuns that fled the ‘pirates’.
Village surrounded by mountains
Curral das Fires, located in the heart of Madeira Island, is a destination marked by an imposing natural engaging. Fits in a deep valley and isolated by the mountains, this place maintains a distinct atmosphere, where the silence of the mountains intersect with the echoes of the past.
The arrival at the village is often preceded by a visit to one of its most emblematic viewpoints. Locations, such as the Serrado Eira, the Boca of the Valentine or the Montada do Paredão offer a high perspective on the valley, revealing the unique geography of this Madeiran parish.
A scenario shaped by erosion
The shell shape of the Curral das Conductor Valley is not the work of chance. It results from millions of years of erosion, landslides and natural phenomena that sculpt this species of natural amphitheater. The irregular relief eventually defined the way of life of the local population and the organization of the territory.
Before being populated, the area was used as a corral for cattle, taking advantage of the natural isolation of the mountains as a barrier. Hence the name “Curral” came up. The designation “das nuns” was later added, in an episode that marked the local history.
Refuge of religious in the 16th century
It can be read on the portal that in the sixteenth century, nuns of the Santa Clara Convent in Funchal, took refuge in the nuns corral to escape the attacks of French corsers. The location hidden and difficult to access was revealed an effective shelter. Since then, the place has been identified by this religious connection.
Decades later, in 1968, a new episode would again associate the nuns with the valley. Religious songs helped investigators identify the nun, a marine bird that was deemed extinct. The sounds of the animal resembled the choir of religious, according to reports of local pastors.
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A parish marked by traditions
Despite the transformations over the centuries, the corral of nuns maintains agricultural practices and a very present rural experience. Small properties, arranged in fajãs, such as thistle, dark or colmeal, make up the landscape and reveal the efforts of communities to maintain traditions.
Every year, in early November, the Brazil nut party is held. This event attracts thousands of visitors, who climb to the village to taste regional specialties made based on chestnut. It is an important moment for the local economy and a celebration of the cultural identity of the parish.
A tuber with history
Another gastronomic event has been gaining prominence. We talked about the Brigalhó show. This endemic tuber of macaronesia requires a prolonged cooking, reflecting the scarcity times of the region. The show takes place in May, promoting evidence and activities dynamized by the local population.
For nature lovers, Curral das nuns offers access to various pedestrian rails. The Urzal Vereda, about 10 kilometers, is one of the most popular paths, connecting different points of the island. Other recommended routes include the mouth of the faces, the levada of the corral and the access to the Ruivo peak.
Dimension and Location
With about 2,000 inhabitants and an area of over 25 square kilometers, this is the largest parish of the municipality of Câmara de Lobos. Its remote location continues to mark the way you live and visit the nuns’s corral.
Between stories of faith, resistance and rediscovered, the identity of the nuns’ corral is built around its relationship with nature and the past. It is this connection that continues to attract those seeking a more authentic experience of Madeira. With its dramatic landscape, preserved traditions and challenging rails, Curral das nuns offers a unique combination of history, culture and nature.
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