Curral das Freiras

Anyone looking over Curral das Dreiras from the lookout points of Boca da Corrida or Eira do Serrado will easily appreciate the depth of the valley where the parish is set, as if it was the crater of a volcano. The Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns) has that name because of a community of Nuns who, in 1560, took shelter there when fleeing from French Lutheran privateers who invaded the island and ransacked the city of Funchal.

Thanks to its location in the depth of the valley, surrounded by huge mountains, this parish, whose economy is based on agriculture – mainly Chestnut production – Curral das Freiras is host to a large harvest festival held in November. Another activity is small business.

The Church of Nossa Senhora do Livramento is the only historical heritage site of Curral das Freiras. It was built in the 19th century and underwent some important work in the 20th century, when the side altars in honour of Our Lady of Deliverance and the Sacred Heart of Jesus were built, as well as the high altar of the church.

Enjoy the natural beauty of Curral das Freiras and don't forget to stop by the Eira do Serrado lookout point, at an altitude of 1095 metres, to admire the beautiful panoramic views.

This parish can be accessed from Funchal.