MonteTropical Palace
In the 18th century,the inglish consul,Charles Murray,bought a property south of the church in "Monte"and transformed it into a beautiful estate,then called " Quinta do Prazer " ( The pleasure Estate ).Nowaday name " Monte Palace Garden " inviting you for walks between exotic plants native various countries ( Cycads and proteas from South Africa,azaleas from belgium,heathers from Scotland ) and indigenous plants from Madeiran woods . Plants from all over the world enrich this collection of 100,000 species including azaleas and a great variety of ferns. The garden’s founder José Berardo brought a collection of cicas (encephalartos) from South Africa. These plants are considered to be living fossils and the garden contains some 60 of the 72 known species of cica.
These gardens feature the flora from Madeira including varieties of the Laurissilva, the ancient forest unique to the Macaronesia region. Other species close to extinction include the Pittosporum coriaceum, popularly known as Mocano. A museum has been built on north part of the garden consisting 3 floors, one for the exhibition of semi-precious brute stones and the others two for exhibition of temporary thematic art .
Open every day except Sundays between 9.00 A.M to 6.00 P.M .
Caminho do Monte, no 174 or at the Caminho das Babosas.
