The city of Machico takes up a little cove in the mouth of the Valley of the Ribeira de Machico. Here took place the landing of Zarco in Madeira for the first time in 1420, claiming for Portugal an island which was known by the sailors since ancient times.
In 1425, Zarco and his mate Tristão Teixeira were named governors of Madeira, the former one of Funchal and the West; and the latter, of the East. Because of this, the statue of Tristão Vaz Teixeira is exhibited in front of the 16th century parish church.
In the East side of the city stands the Capela dos Milages Chapel. The original church was destroyed by the floods in 1803, but the beautiful Gothic crucifix of its high altar was recovered by a sailor floating in the sea.
The third church of the city is found in the occidental part of the bay and dates from 1739. This church worships São Roque. It is believed that this saint heard the prayers of the city and saved the citizens from the plague. Behind it, you can find the fish market and the triangular fortress of 1706.
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