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FRDescription Ribeira Brava
Located on the south coast, the municipality of Ribeira Brava has an area of ??about 65.10 km2, where about 12,500 inhabitants are distributed.
Located on the south coast, the municipality of Ribeira Brava has an area of ??about 65.10 km2, where about 12,500 inhabitants are distributed. Ribeira Brava was elevated to the category of village in 1928.
Its main economic activity is agriculture. From the cultivation of the land, sweet potatoes, beans, vegetables, some cereal, fruit and wine are removed.
Considered one of the oldest towns in Madeira, the parish was elevated just after Funchal and Machico, shortly after the death of Infante D. Henrique in 1460. Its settlement began in the early 15th century.
Its location (southwest of the island) and its orography made Ribeira Brava one of the most important locations on the island due to the ease of communication with other points.
The church of São Bento, built in the 15th century and located in the village of Ribeira Brava, displays magnificent panels with a clear Flemish influence, representing the Virgin and Child, São Bento and São Bernardo. São Bento is the patron saint of Ribeira Brava, for whom the inhabitants express special devotion.
On June 29, one of the most popular pilgrimages on the island is celebrated in honor of São Pedro.
The parishes belonging to this municipality are Campanário, Ribeira Brava, Serra de Água and Tabua.