São Vicente () is a municipality along the north-west coast of the island of

Madeira ) , anthem = ( en, "Anthem of the Autonomous Region of Madeira") , song_type = Regional anthem , image_map=EU-Portugal_with_Madeira_circled.svg , map_alt=Location of Madeira , map_caption=Location of Madeira , subdivision_type=Sovereign st ...

History

The first human visitors to São Vicente appeared in the middle of the 15th century, colonizing the area much later than the settlers in the southern part of the island, owing to its fertility. This area of the island, due to its steep escarpments and deep river-valleys made early settlement difficult. The first settlers appeared in the areas of São Vicente and

Ponta Delgada Ponta Delgada (; ) is the largest municipality (''concelho'') and economic capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal. It is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago. As of 2021, it has 67,28 ...

, respectively. The progressive growth of its population led to dis-annexation of São Vicente from the Captaincy of Machico, and elevation to municipal seat by royal charter on 23 August 1774. At that time the parishes of Porto Moniz, Seixal, Arco de São Jorge and São Jorge where under the administration of the municipal authority. In 1835, the restructuring of municipal government under the

Liberal Liberal or liberalism may refer to: Politics * a supporter of liberalism ** Liberalism by country * an adherent of a Liberal Party * Liberalism (international relations) * Sexually liberal feminism * Social liberalism Arts, entertainment and m ...

reformer

Mouzinho da Silveira José Xavier Mouzinho da Silveira (12 July 1780 in Castelo de Vide – 4 April 1849 in Lisbon) was a Portuguese statesman, jurist and politician, as well as one of the most important personalities of the Liberal Revolution of 1820, responsible fo ...

lead to the creation of two new municipalities (Santana and Porto Moniz) along the northern coast of Madeira, which reduced the area of São Vicente. But, by 1867, under decree it reverted to its former dimensions. In 1898, with the re-establishment of the former municipalities São Vicente began to function within the current territorial area.

Legend

A legend exists that the toponymic name of the region, developed from an incident where Saint Vincent of Saragossa appeared in a rocky cove near the mouth of the river. Consequently, the settlers constructed a small chapel to the saint, owing to the great devotion to his personage.

Geography

São Vicente is located west of Santana and

Machico Machico () is a municipality, parish and city in the southeast part of the island of Madeira, in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The easternmost municipality on the island, it is also the third-most populous area with a population of 21,828 in ...

and east of Porto Moniz, linked by roadway to Santana and the western part of the island. It is also home to the

São Vicente Caves The São Vicente Caves (Grutas de São Vicente in Portuguese) are caves located in the parish and county of São Vicente, Madeira. Entrance is charged at €8 for adults, but have been closed since March 2020. History These caves were formed ar ...

. The municipality includes three civil parishes, that handle local government administration: * Boaventura - physically the largest parish, but with the smallest population density, it is located in the northeast coast of the municipality, and ultimately the last to be settled; *

- a small parish, nestled between two promontories; * São Vicente - the largest parish in population and density, home to the municipal seat; it had a population of 3,139 (in 2011) in an area of 44.14 km²

Climate

Notable citizens

* Gregório Joaquim Diniz (ca.1863 - 1931) - doctor, Sub-Delegate for Health, and involved in the first hydro-electrical production facility on the island of Madeira, at Pé de Corrida.Boletim Municipal (August 2005), p.23

References

Notes Sources * *

External links

Photos of São VicenteWebportal of São Vicente, Santana and Porto Moniz, Local Radio
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sao Vicente, Madeira Towns in Portugal Madeira Island Municipalities of Madeira