Padaria do Monte · Madeira · Since 1932
Four generations of family, passion, and artisan baking — from a wood-fired oven in 1932 to two locations serving Madeira today.
Founded in the parish of Monte by Maria Martins — known to all as Mariquinhas — at a time when women leading a business was anything but ordinary. Her courage, vision, and stubbornness built something that would outlast her by nearly a century.
Founded in Casa Branca, Monte, in a post-war era when female entrepreneurs were rare. The oven was fired with pine needles and acacia wood. Mariquinhas fought for her vision against every adversity the time could offer.
🔥 The original wood-fired oven — a combination of pine and acacia — gave the bread its unmistakable character.Mariquinhas joined the famous revolução da farinha at Travessa da Malta — a protest against the unfair rationing of flour to Madeiran bakeries. Principled from the very start.
Manuel, son of Mariquinhas — known as "Manuel da Viúva" — assumed management alongside his wife Guilhermina Martins. A new chapter, the same spirit.
With a pioneering spirit, the family purchased a green Commer van — the owner's football club colours — and launched home delivery. They were the first bakery on the island to do so.
🚐 Pioneers of bakery home delivery in Madeira, decades before it became common.New legislation triggered waves of mergers across Madeiran bakeries. Despite numerous acquisition offers, the family held firm — renovating and rebuilding their premises while competitors merged or closed.
Manuel passes the bakery to his children, Maria Vieira and Gonçalo Vieira. Continuous innovation in equipment and product range follows — electric ovens replace wood, and the product range expands significantly.
Padaria do Livramento opens, recovering the space of a former local bakery and bringing the family's artisan techniques to a new neighbourhood. The same year marks the entry of the fourth generation into the business.
📍 Two locations. One family. The same recipe for over 90 years.