The Nun’s Valley in the mountains above Funchal on the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean

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the Nun's Valley on the Island of Madeira is so called because when pirates and privateers attacked the island searching for gold and slaves the good sisters would flee into this wild and hidden valley until the threat had disappeared. The area was too mountainous and wild if you did not know the secret trails through the mountains. Even today you need a guide to get you there At Christmas time in the village in Nuns Valley the locals make a huge Christmas Crib depicting life on the island of Madeira. They use dressed dolls and model animals in many different and charming tableaux

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Size: 6016px × 4016px
Location: Nuns Valley Madeira Portugal
Photo credit: © Brenda Kean / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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