Levada
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A levada (Portuguese for "led") is an irrigation channel or aqueduct on the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean (about 500 miles Southwest of Portugal).
The levadas originated out of the necessity of bringing large amounts of water from the west and northwest of the island to the drier south east which is more conducive to habitation and agriculture (such as sugar cane production). In the 16th century the Portuguese started building levadas to carry water to the agricultural regions. The most recent was made in the 1940s. Madeira is very mountainous, and building the levadas was often difficult. Many are cut into the sides of mountains, and it was also necessary to dig 25 miles of tunnels. [1]
Today the levadas now not only supply water to the southern parts of the island but provide hydro-electric power. There are over 1350 miles of levadas and they provide a remarkable network of walking paths. Some provide easy and relaxing walks through beautiful countryside, but others are narrow, crumbling ledges where a slip could result in serious injury or death.
A popular levada to hike is the Levada do Caldeirao Verde which continues as the Levada Caldeirao do Inferno. Together it is about 23 miles long in total. Along both parts there are long sections which should not be attempted by hikers prone to vertigo; and several tunnels for which torches and helmets are essential. The Levada do Canical is a much easier walk. This levada runs 7.1 miles from Maroços to the Canical Tunnel. It is known as the mimosa levada because acacias (often misnamed as mimosas) are found all along the route.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Lavadas of Madeira Additional Photographs
- ^ Landscapes of Madeira by J&P Underwood and published by Sunflower Books is the most widely used guide to the levadas. It provides detailed instructions and excellent maps covering 42 levadas and other walks.
