Established in 1501, the village of Ponta do Sol was limited at east by the cliff beside the church up to the mountain ridge excluding all territory that belong to João Esmeraldo which should continue to concern to Funchal. On the west Ponta do Sol was expanded until Ponta do Tristão.

The fertile soil of this village made the production of sugarcanes very important for the economic development of this village. Joined to this agricultural activity the commerce of sugar started to operate big ships that loaded in Ponta do Sol.

A harbour was needed but for this it was necessary a big construction, the so called bridge of Tojo, that would give access to the pier. This edification started to be built in 1848 and until 1874 there was always something more to be done.

Photo by Hugo Romano

Photo by Hugo Romano