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Madeira, Portugal 3/17/2023
Madeira (Funchal), Portugal:The capital of Madeira is named after the fennel (funcha)
that once flowered there in profusion. The largest island in
the Madeira Archipelago was discovered in 1419 by Portuguese
explorers venturing south into the Atlantic. The island is
nearly equidistant from Lisbon and the African coast, and
its unique geographical position allowed Madeira to play a
pivotal role in European discovery. Seamen such as
Christopher Columbus gained knowledge and experience plying
the routes of the island's sugar trade. When sugar declined,
the island's famed wines continued to provide a robust
trade. By the late 18th century, Madeira's mild climate,
rocky peaks, and lush valleys provided a winter haven to
Europe's aristocrats. Visitors still flock to the island
today, drawn by its scenery and its weather.
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