Beyond the Pools: A Historical Guide to Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Ribeira da Janela

When travelers arrive on Madeira’s North Coast, they are usually looking for raw nature: dramatic sea cliffs, ancient Fanal forests, and black sand beaches. But hidden in plain sight among the volcanic rocks and terraced vineyards is a rich, centuries-old history.

Long before the modern roads and tunnels connected the North to Funchal, this region was a frontier of pirate attacks, whalers, and ancient agricultural ingenuity.

If you want to add a layer of deep cultural context to your stay at The Jolie, leave the crowds at the natural pools behind and explore the historical heritage of Porto Moniz and its neighboring parishes: Seixal and Ribeira da Janela.

1. Porto Moniz (The Fortress & The Founder)

Forte de São João Baptista (São João Baptista Fort)

• The History: Built in 1730, this coastal fortress was constructed for one specific reason: to protect the vulnerable northern harbor from frequent pirate and corsair attacks. For decades, it stood as the village’s primary defense against maritime raids.

• Today: In 1998, the ruins were meticulously restored using the original basalt stones. Remarkably, the interior of the fortress now houses the Madeira Aquarium. It is a perfect example of adaptive historical reuse and sits just steps from the natural pools.

Igreja Matriz do Porto Moniz (Church of Our Lady of the Conception)

• The History: Francisco Moniz, the aristocrat who originally settled and gave his name to the town, built a chapel here in the 15th century. After a devastating earthquake in 1748, the current church was rebuilt on higher ground.

• Today: Step inside to escape the midday heat and admire the intricate 18th-century gilded woodwork and the classic Baroque pipe organ.

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2. Ribeira da Janela (The Rebuilt Church & The River)

Just a five-minute drive east of Porto Moniz is the dramatic valley of Ribeira da Janela (River of the Window), named after the iconic rock formation off its coast.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação

• The History: The history of this parish church is a testament to the resilience of Madeirans. The original 16th-century chapel was completely swept away by a massive flood in 1558. Refusing to abandon their parish, the locals rebuilt the church in 1699 on safer ground.

• Today: This quiet, beautiful church features striking neoclassical altarpieces. It stands as a proud symbol of the local community’s historical endurance against the wild northern weather.

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The Ancient Watermills & Levadas

• The History: Ribeira da Janela is one of the island’s most important agricultural lifelines. As you hike the nearby Levada dos Cedros, remember that you are walking along ancient irrigation channels originally carved by hand to carry water from the high mountains down to the coastal crops.

3. Seixal (The Vineyards & The Patron Saint)

Continuing east, you reach Seixal, a village famous for its black sand beach but historically defined by its terraced vineyards that seem to drop directly into the sea.

Igreja de Santo Antão (Parish Church of Seixal)

• The History: The parish of Seixal was officially established in 1553 by a royal charter from King João III. As the local population grew (thanks largely to the fertile volcanic soil perfect for growing grapes), this beautiful church was established to serve the community.

• Today: Set against a stunning backdrop of sheer green cliffs dropping into the Atlantic, the church is a perfect photographic stop. The surrounding terraced fields (known as poios) are a living monument to the generations of farmers who physically carved the mountain to plant their vines.

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Experience the History from a Modern Sanctuary

The best way to explore the rich heritage of the North Coast is to slow down and stay a while. When you base your vacation at The Jolie in Porto Moniz, you aren’t just taking a rushed day trip—you have the time to wander through the 18th-century streets, watch the sunset over the pirate fort, and wake up to the sound of the same Atlantic Ocean that the island’s discoverers sailed.

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