Camacha Cardina Museum

The Cardina Museum, located on the island of Porto Santo in Madeira, is a Portuguese ethnographic museum. It was inaugurated in 2006 and offers a unique insight into the history and daily life of the island's inhabitants. The museum's collection includes pieces and artifacts that depict domestic activities, agriculture, fishing, and the professions that once characterized the daily life of the Porto Santo population.

The Founder's Passion

The Cardina Museum was born out of the personal passion of José Cardina de Freitas Melim. His aim was to preserve the historical memory of the daily life of the inhabitants of Porto Santo, his homeland. He began to collect and restore artifacts that were part of the island's history, creating miniature models of craftsman's tools and natural water fountains on the island.

Museum Layout

The Cardina Museum is organized into two parts. The ground floor displays pieces from various old professions, while the first floor presents replicas of these pieces and of the 16 fountains that exist on the island. This layout provides a comprehensive view of the island's history and the daily life of its inhabitants.