Madeira Island, Heritage Attractions in Funchal

Sightseeing in the Capital, Palaces, Museums & Churches

Sep 25, 2009

From palaces to museums and churches, Funchal has a wealth of historical attractions befitting its 500 years as capital of Madeira Island.

Set between mountains and ocean, Funchal is a bright well-planned city where many visitors to Madeira choose to stay. Accommodation is plentiful and there are scenic parks and quiet walks and enough heritage attractions to satisfy the most demanding culture fan.

‘Little Lisbon’, as Funchal was known, was granted city status in 1508 by Portuguese King Manuel I. Young aristocrats soon set sail for the island where fortunes were to be made from the sugar trade. Others followed, building their palaces and churches in the sheltered bay of Funchal, leaving a surprisingly rich heritage on such a small island.

Fine mansions and palaces still grace the streets of Funchal, some dating back to the 15th century, others added by British merchants who, after the sugar slump, grew rich on the wine trade. Architects came from all over Europe to design their sumptuous mansions and gardens. Today some have been converted into museums, others are integrated into some of Madeira’s most delightful public parks.

The Palacio de Sao Lourenço is a national monument and residential palace, complete with state rooms, while the legendary Reid’s Palace Hotel is the place to enjoy afternoon tea, at least once in a lifetime, in the footsteps of Winston Churchill. It was built by an impoverished Scottish lad who made his fortune on wine in just ten years.

Funchal Museums and Quinta das Cruzes

Funchal’s most fascinating museum is Quinta das Cruzez, once the residence of Captain Zarco, who discovered the island, now rebuilt in Baroque style. The grounds are home to an Archaeological Park while the old palace displays ‘sugar box’ furniture, silverware and traditional azulejo tiles as well as French porcelain, textiles, paintings and exotic furniture.

Other museums are devoted to embroidery and craft, contemporary art, electricity, sugar and early Portuguese photography. The Sacred Art Museum in the Bishop’s Palace holds the cathedral’s treasure which includes a gold procession cross donated by Manuel I.

Christopher Columbus married in Madeira and claims his own museum on the sister island of Porto Santo but in Funchal, his statue holds pride of place in Santa Catarina’s park.

Heritage Attractions, Cathedral and Churches in the Capital

The Cathedral was built by Manuel I, an austere structure except for twisted turrets and tiles glistening on the top. The interior sports a lovely carved ceiling inlaid with ivory and Flemish choir stalls financed by the sugar boom.

Historic religious buildings include the Church of St John with its carved high altar, St Clara’s convent church where Zarco is buried and the most visited church on the island, Our Lady of Monte. It stands gleaming white high above the city, up a flight of 74 steps with spectacular views, and as well a miraculous statue, it contains the tomb of the last Austrian Emperor who died here in exile, aged 35.

The copyright of the article Madeira Island, Heritage Attractions in Funchal in Portugal Travel is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish Madeira Island, Heritage Attractions in Funchal in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.