The Funchal Municipal Garden, near Arriaga Avenue, occupies an area of 8,300 square meters, where a Convent of St. Francis once stood.
It is free to visit it at any time. Many paths intersect – going and coming through the park from various entrances.
Garden Pictures
- Coordinates: 32.647721, -16.911431
It features a leisure area with a lake featuring swans and ducks. There is a cafe and a space where various cultural events take place.
For more information about Funchal, click on the Things To Do In Funchal. For the main attractions in Madeira, refer to Things To Do In Funchal Madeiral.
Municipal Garden Location, Funchal
Address: Rua Ivens 11, 9000-050 Funchal
Phone : 291 241 495
The garden is a true oasis in the Funchal’s heart, filled with a wide variety of plants, perfect for strolling in the shade and taking a break from the Madeiran sun.
After a few hours of walking in Funchal, it’s nice to take a break in the green spaces.
History
A Franciscan Convent was erected here in the third quarter of the 15th century and remained until the third quarter of the 19th century. A marble coat of arms from the 17th century.
In 1885, the Municipal Council completed this green space, renamed it the Municipal Garden and later J. Dona Amélia in honour of the second wife of Brazilian Emperor D. Pedro I.
Amélia de Leuchtenberg lived on the island due to her daughter’s illness, which caused fewer symptoms in the mild climate of Madeira. She resided at Quinta Angústias (Quinta Vigia, the current official residence of the President of Madeira).
Tragically, her daughter passed away, and the mother visited her daughter’s grave every year on February 4th. Dona Amélia financed the construction of a hospital in Funchal.
Flora Funchal Garden
The 8,300 square meters of the garden are filled with magnificent flowers, Madeira trees, and tropical species.
In spring, the garden is marked by the colour of the beautiful donkey carnations and the fragrant goivos (Erysimum bicolor).
The Lotus Flower is common, contrasting with the purple flowers of the Jacaranda in the garden, especially in April and May.
The flora of Macaronesia (Madeira and Canary Islands) is well represented by the Til tree (Ocotea foetens), the largest species of the Laurisilva forest.
Throughout the year, the indigenous red Clerodendro of tropical Africa blooms. We can highlight the Erythrina lysistemon presence (from South Africa).
The tallest tree originates from Australia: the pine. Finally, the list of plants and flowers from tropical and subtropical regions is immense – a must-see for nature lovers.
Things to do nearby:
Bandly’s Wine Lodge
Blandy’s Wine Lodge is the perfect spot to discover Madeira Wine. The Blandy family is unique among all of the original founders of the Madeira wine trade.
Quinta Vigia Garden
Quinta Vigia boasts beautiful gardens teeming with exotic birds. The building dates back to the 16th century and currently serves as the official residence of the Regional Government of Madeira.
Funchal Cathedral
The Funchal Cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The grand and beautiful church dates back to 1493 and houses many important artworks.
Sacred Arte Museum
The Sacred Art Museum in Funchal is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Portugal.
In the former Episcopal Palace, founded in 1594, the collections of paintings, sculptures, jewels, and garments chronologically encompass the 15th to 19th centuries. One of the oldest and best-preserved museums in Portugal.
Mercado dos Lavradores
The Market of the Farm Laborers, located in the heart of Funchal, was inaugurated on November 24, 1940.
The project, devised by Edmundo Tavares, is currently one of the most-visited attractions in Madeira, offering a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and other local products.
CR7 Museum
Cristiano Ronaldo was born on the island of Madeira and now has a
museum where he keeps all his trophies. The museum is called the CR7 Museum and is a great place to visit if you’re a football fan. It is nearby Funchal port, next to the Pestana-CR7 hotel.
