Description

The typical houses of Santana are a landmark of the municipality of Santana and a tourist attraction of Madeira Island. These houses have a triangular shape and are thatched with straw. They are popularly known as the “little houses of Santana”.

Originally, these houses consisted of an attic, where agricultural products were stored, and a ground floor, usually the living area, which was divided into two parts separated by a partition.

It is believed that these houses are vestiges of primitive constructions, made of wood and straw, and that they have been found throughout the island. Because there is little hard stone in the region and the climate is cold in winter, this raw material was adopted, also allowing for adaptation to the seasons, cool in summer and warm in winter.