Faial parish was built at 20th February 1550.

This parish has this name because of the huge abundance of beech (indigenous trees of the family Miracáceas) where they still growing in the streams and valleys in the mountains.

The ancient inhabitants of this parish were the moors and Galician.

During many years, the predominant culture in Faial parish was the osier twigs. But this decreased because of the decrease with the increasing demand for wickerwork.

The Faial River or Dry River was, in colonial times, a strategic point for the construction of mills. Then were produced lot of cane sugar. In XVII century had three waters powered engine for the grinding of sugar cane which was exported to Continental Portugal and foreign.

Actually we can see ruins below the actual bridge. People say that this parish is known as the parish of the bridges because in 1907 and 1910 was built the bigger bridge in Madeira Island. Had 130 meters and was known as “bridge of seven mouths”.

The storm that affected Madeira Island in 1984 down the bridge.

Next to this place was raised the bridge of five arches above the Metade River.

The bigger tunnel of Portugal is in this parish with 3100 meters.