City walk Funchal

City Walk Funchal

 

Distance: 8 to 9 km

Starting point: CR7 Museum, but you can start wherever desired.

Endpoint: CR7 Museum

CR7 Museum

If you're a football fan, you undoubtedly know that Madeira is the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The CR7 Museum houses his many trophies and informs visitors with an exhibition about the career of the famous athlete.

 

Parque de Santa Catarina

Parque de Santa Catarina is a large, varied green area not far from the city garden. This park is characterized by its large gardens, serene lakes, walking paths, children's playgrounds, and even an open-air amphitheater. It's an ideal spot for families, as it offers many recreational options and outdoor activities. Additionally, the park is often used for cultural events and festivals, making it a dynamic location year-round.

Madeira Film Experience

The Madeira Film Experience gives visitors an overview of the culture, landscapes, and history of Madeira through a beautiful documentary film. This attraction is particularly popular among cruise ship visitors (and somewhat touristic), but nonetheless very interesting.

Palácio de São Lourenço

The Palácio de São Lourenço is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Portuguese fortifications from the 16th and 17th centuries. It was first built between 1529 and 1540, but the original construction was not strong enough and fell prey to French pirates in 1566. Throughout the 19th century, the structure was significantly expanded, modified, and improved. The fort was the residence of many captains and governors of the island and became the official residence of commanders. It was classified as a national monument in 1943 and today serves as the residence of the Prime Minister of Madeira and the military leadership. Inside, there is an exhibition about the history and evolution of the fort.

Avenida do Mar

You could spend hours on Avenida do Mar, a long boulevard that lines the water. There are many terraces and excellent fish restaurants where you can stop for a bite before continuing your walk. Soon you'll leave the coastline, but you can, of course, return here for dinner. Did you know that you can board an exact replica of Christopher Columbus's flagship, the Santa Maria, which he arrived in America with in 1492? As you sail on that ship off the coast of Madeira, you won't just feel like a time traveler, but you might also spot dolphins with a bit of luck.

Adegas de São Francisco

Adegas de São Francisco is an annex of a winery that houses an interactive museum. Here you can learn how grape juice is transformed into Madeira wine. The museum is located in a 16th-century monastery. The start of the tour in the aromatic old wine room stimulates your senses. You'll see an informational film, and the guide will explain the special wood of the aging barrels, the unlikely "invention" of Madeira wine, the Blandy family who has been producing wine for more than two centuries, and much more. This museum is an absolute must. And of course, you can also taste! What do Madeira, sugar, and Rogier van der Weyden have in common? More than you might think! Madeira experienced an economic boom in the 15th and 16th centuries thanks to the sugar trade. The sugar was destined for Antwerp. The merchants in Madeira became wealthy and could afford luxury goods, including paintings by Flemish masters. These paintings were donated to the church authorities to gain God's favor. You can admire a Rogier van der Weyden, L'Annonciation (1440), here in Funchal today at the Museu de Arte Sacra.

Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas

The Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas was built on commission from the Counts of Calçada in the 17th century. The mansion was purchased in the 1940s by a local lawyer, Frederico de Freitas. He was an avid collector and filled his home with various treasures from his travels around the world. After his death, he left the house, along with everything in it, to Madeira. Today, you can wander through the beautiful rooms with original furniture and admire the eclectic collections of objects. Everything you ever wanted to know about azulejos – the famous Portuguese glazed tiles – can be learned in this museum. You can admire an extensive collection of tiles here. A nice bonus is the view of the monastery garden from the museum café. Unique to Madeira are the azulejos on church towers, something you won't often see on the mainland of Portugal. Even the spire of the Sé (cathedral) is covered with azulejos. As you walk up this way to the next stop, you pass the Santa Clara monastery. Although it is currently not open to the public, you can stop here. This monastery was built at the end of the 16th century on the orders of the second captain-major of Funchal, João Gonçalves da Câmara. The monastery church contains the graves of the discoverer of Madeira, Captain Zarco. His wife and son are also buried here.

Museu Quinta das Cruzes

Museu Quinta das Cruzes is a traditional Portuguese quinta (a country estate with a villa or palace) and one of the most beautiful examples in the country. This quinta was the home of João Gonçalves Zarco, the Portuguese captain who discovered Madeira, and was remodeled in the 18th century by the Lomelino family into an elegant house, complete with breathtaking beautiful gardens and a private chapel. It is now a museum with exhibitions about the lives of the wealthy aristocrats of Madeira from the 15th to the 19th century. The rooms, with notably high ceilings, are filled with priceless antiques from around the world. After your visit to the museum, be sure to spend some time in the exotic garden.

 

Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico
It is believed that the construction of the fort Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico began in 1606 and that this impressive structure was completed in the second half of the 17th century. The fort has changed names several times over the years. In the 20th century, it was ultimately handed over to the navy and served as a military communication center. If you make the effort to tackle the steep street to this fort, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view over the city.

 

Jesuit College of Funchal
The Jesuit College of Funchal, founded in 1569 by decree of King Sebastiao I, is one of the most important historical buildings in the city. It has had a significant influence on the entire island over the centuries. From the Jesuits who spread their Christian faith from here to English invaders, the army, and the University of Madeira that took over the complex – the Jesuit College has served many purposes over the years. Currently, it is home to the student association of the University of Madeira. You can read informative brochures or go on a guided tour. Occasionally, exhibitions are also held here.

 

Igreja do Colégio
The church Igreja do Colégio boasts exquisite baroque elements and dates back to 1629. The church received its current appearance at the beginning of the 18th century. This is undoubtedly one of the most ornate churches in Madeira. The unique azulejos inside, from the mid-17th century, and the Flemish paintings will surely surprise you. Admire the altars and don't forget to peek into the sacristy. In the side chapels, there are burial tombs. In the adjoining Jesuit monastery, university students attend classes.

 

Praça do Município
The Praça do Município is the main square of Funchal. The fountain in the middle, the red tulip trees in one corner, and the kapok trees in another corner, whose pods explode into giant cotton balls in the spring, make this a special place. You can also see the Igreja de São João Evangelista, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the Paços do Concelho do Funchal, a palace that now serves as the city hall. The church Igreja de São João Evangelista, built in the 17th century, is one of the most beautiful examples of the characteristic fusion between the Mannerist and Baroque style in Madeira. The interior is richly decorated with gilding, tile panels, paintings, and frescoes. The city hall of Funchal is located in the former Palácio do Conde Carvalhal. This building was built in 1758 by the Count of Carvalhal as his residence and changed hands several times over the centuries. In 1883, it was purchased by the municipal government of Funchal to serve as the city hall. However, as the city grew, the palace proved too small for all the administration. Over the years, therefore, the grand building has undergone various adaptations and renovations, but the original design has always been preserved. This palace is an example of harmonious late-18th-century architecture. The biggest asset is the courtyard in the garden, covered with Battistini tiles that were manufactured in 1940 at the Fábrica de Maria de Portugal. You will also see a fountain adorned with the marble statue Leda eo Cisne (Leda and the Swan) by Germano José Salles. The historic city hall of Funchal is open to the public. You can join hour-long tours held in different languages on weekdays at 11 am.

 

Museu de Arte Sacra
In the Museu de Arte Sacra, a former bishop's palace, religious art is exhibited. Highlights include several 16th-century paintings, a sculpture from the Santa Clara monastery, and works from the cathedral's treasury. The Flemish collection includes works by Joos van Cleve, Gerard David, and Rogier van der Weyden.

 

TIP: After the Museu de Arte Sacra, turn right - right into a small street with lovely restaurants, on the corner to the right is a delicious gelateria Sweet Salt 😋

 

Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção in Portuguese, dates back to the end of the 15th century. It is one of the few structures from the early period of the island's colonization that remain intact. The cathedral was built in Gothic style with thousands of blocks of volcanic stone that were dragged from the cliffs of Cabo Girão (a place that you will discover later on this trip, on day 4). The roof of the cathedral immediately stands out. It is made of cedar wood and was inspired by the Mudejar style. Inside the cathedral, you will see a remarkable cross hanging. It is a masterpiece of Manueline silverwork that dates back to the reign of Portuguese King Manuel I (1495-1521).

TIP: take a break at the bar Sé Boutique Café, on the roof of Sé Boutique Hotel. You can enjoy a nice drink and a great view over the city in a colorful interior.

 

Sugar Museum
The Sugar Museum (Museu a cidade de açúcar) at Praça de Colombo introduces you to what was once the cornerstone of Madeira’s economy: sugar cane plantations. Funchal and the rest of Madeira became wealthy from these sugar cane plantations. The first sugar cane was harvested near the historic center of Funchal. On that site, in the former home of a Fleming who traded in sugar, the Sugar Museum is now located.

Zona Velha

The old town, or Zona Velha, stretches from the market to the fort of St. Jacob. Your visit to Funchal would not be complete without a stroll through this beautiful part of the city. Take the time to wander through the narrow, cobbled streets and have something to eat or drink in one of the many local restaurants, cafés, and bars.

 

Mercado dos Lavradores
Mercado dos Lavradores is a fruit, vegetable, fish, and flower market that opened in 1940 and is a must-visit when you're in Funchal. The façade, the main entrance, and the fish market are adorned with traditional azulejo tiles by João Rodrigues depicting regional themes. Stroll around the stalls and taste the local delicacies. It’s good to know that prices, especially for fruit, are much higher here than in the local shops around the market. Sometimes vendors let tourists taste some fruit and then demand – sometimes aggressively – that you buy.

Painted Doors

Along Santa Maria street, in the heart of the old town, you will notice many vibrant and skillfully painted doors. The idea was to reinvigorate this old district of the city by offering artists seeking an audience a blank canvas. This is how the city wanted to "open the doors of Funchal to art and culture". The artists' "canvases" became the doors of the neighborhood. The first door was painted in 2011, and today there are more than 120 painted art doors visible in Funchal. And there are many gems among them!

 

Capela do Corpo Santo
The Capela do Corpo Santo is a 15th-century chapel on the edge of the old city center. The Gothic door is a remnant of the original chapel, while the rest of the church mainly dates from the 16th century. The chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, Saint Pedro Gonçalves Telmo. Inside you will see painted ceilings, gilded altars, and sculptures in Manueline style.

TIP: The nice and atmospheric pub on this small square is Banana's Pub with nice music, and you can also have a small snack there.

Forte de São Tiago
The Forte de São Tiago was originally built in the 16th and 17th centuries to protect the coast from pirates during the reign of Philip I of Portugal. The fort later housed British troops during the Peninsular War (1807-1814) and later the military police and lancers of Funchal. The fort was also a refuge for anyone affected by floods here in 1803. Those who buy a ticket can stroll through the (largely empty) halls, view photos, eat in the restaurant, and of course, enjoy the beautiful sea view.

Madeira Story Centre

Finally, you can visit the Madeira Story Centre in Funchal, where you can learn all about the history of the island during an engaging interactive museum exhibition.

 

This is the end of the walking tour, but of course, there's much more to discover in Funchal.