Kondominium beli di Sao Martinho, Madeira

About the Project: Nest Seekers proudly introduces Madeira's most exclusive apartments in Funchal. This new development takes full advantage of Funchal distinctive location, allowing each apartment to have balconies overlooking the ocean, and for its contemporary design and choice of exquisite finishes and high-quality equipment, providing the sensation of comfort, modernity, excellence, and luxury. This development also has 3 swimming pools, solarium, gym and games room. Be enchanted by breathtaking views. Available: Block Royal 7: Apart No 111 | Unit BA | Floor 5 | 4 bedroom | Internal Area: 337,60 m2 | Gross Are: 400,15 m2 | Parking space: 3 cars | Asking Price: 2.500.000 euros About the Location: History of Madeira Island When the Infante Dom Henrique, better known in English as Prince Henry the Navigator, gathered together the finest cartographers and navigators of Portugal at the beginning of the 15th century, his plan was to extend the knowledge of the coast of West Africa. Armed only with square-rigged ships, compass, hourglass, and astrolabe, the initial sea captains were severely handicapped in their endeavors. But in the course of their ventures, the finest hour of Portuguese maritime history, luck brought greater riches than the purities of science and logic. Three young sea captains, João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira, and Bartolomeu Perestrelo, were blown off course on their journey around the African coast, and after many days at sea found land on a small island that they named Porto Santo - the very first of the many discoveries made by Henry's school of navigation. On reporting to Henry they were promptly ordered to return and colonize the island. The year was 1418. Seductive as are the charms of the golden sands of Porto Santo, it seems somewhat incredible today that it took a further year (1419) before the next discovery was made – Madeira island. The captains had reported a dark mass of clouds visible on the southern horizon. They were then encouraged to explore this foreboding mass. As theories to whether the world was flat had yet to be completely disproved, it took an enormous leap of faith to cross the traverse. In 1440, the system of captaincy was established, dividing the archipelago into three captaincies: Machico was given to Tristão Vaz Teixeira, Bartolomeu Perestrelo was nominated as captain-donee of Porto Santo, and Gonçalves Zarco became captain-donee of Funchal. So as to create the minimum conditions to settle and develop agriculture, a part of the dense laurel forest had to be deforested and a large number of water channels (levadas) were built, as the northern part of the island had excess water while it was scarce in the south. Fish, fruit, and vegetables were the main livelihoods of the first inhabitants. The crops that became very important for the island in economic terms, such as sugar cane , were then introduced. Sugar turned Funchal into a mandatory crossing point for European trade routes. In the seventeenth century, a new crop emerged, boosting Madeira's economy once again: wine . Over time, Madeira took advantage of its potential, namely the tourism sector, and developed it. Nowadays, it plays an essential role in the regional economy, as the island is very popular among tourists from all over the world. Today the statue of Zarco looks down on the descendants of the first colonizers as they turn the corner in front of the Bank of Portugal building in downtown Funchal. As the Portuguese overseas possessions have shrunk, so the relative significance of this first great discovery has gained importance. To find a needle in a haystack can be trying, but to find Porto Santo in an Atlantic storm was a lucky prize indeed. History of Funchal The name of the city of Funchal derives from the plant Foeniculum vulgare, the fennel plant. Reports from the time indicate that when landing on the island, the first sight was of a dense valley in trees and fennel, an essential plant in gastronomy and regional sweets. Despite the abundance of fennel, it was the sugar that provided the formation of a sustainable economy in the city of Funchal and throughout the island. Madeira wine succeeded sugar, becoming today one of the region's ex-libris. The production of sugar and vines in the city of Funchal becomes indispensable for the local economy, and its icons are incorporated into the city's coat of arms. Funchal had been one of the first captaincies on the island of Madeira, with donor captain João Gonçalves Zarco - one of the main navigators who discovered the archipelago -, who, in 1425, settled in the city with his family. The development of Funchal allowed it to quickly move from autonomous parishes to a village and, later, to a municipality, being elevated to a city in 1508. In 1835, due to its growth and the degree of prosperity, the city of Funchal developed to its limits that it has today, being limited by the municipalities of Santana, Câmara de Lobos, and Santa Cruz. The city of Funchal has become a key point of commerce in the center of the Atlantic, allowing for commercial exchanges, culture, and experiences. From this port in the Atlantic, exports of regional products are made to the world, products that are still appreciated today. Funchal is unique for its diversity, from the sea to the mountains, from fruits to flowers and embroidery to basket carts, all influenced by its tropical climate, which allows for unparalleled productions and activities. Images are 3D renderings.