- Coordenadas: 32.649465, -16.908722
In this Funchal precious location, prestigious historical buildings surround us:
- Municipal Palace (eighteenth century);
- Sacred Art Museum, at the Episcopal Palace (sixteenth century);
- The seventeenth-century Church of São João Evangelista.
In its central area lies a pedestrian walkway paved with dark and light waves, boasting a charming presentation of contrasts.
The fountain, situated in the heart of the Square, displays a spiral adorned with the city’s coat of arms and other national symbols.
The Square frequently operates as a ceremonial space, particularly during the festive season, with light displays and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.m exibições de luz, concertos e apresentações, além de oferecer admiráveis panorâmicas das montanhas circundantes.
For further information on Funchal, peruse “Things To Do In Funchal Madeira“. For a guide to Madeira, consult “Things To Do In Madeira“.
Address: Praça Município – Funchal, Código Postal de 9000-072 até 9004-512
Municipal Palace
The Municipal Council Building is the majestic housing of the city’s municipal administration headquarters.
Its construction dates back to 1758, initiated by the Count of Carvalhal, a wealthy Madeiran proprietor who, despite his wealth, lived a simple life and helped those in need.
Involved in liberal ideas and having participated in the Miguelist conflict, he had to seek refuge in England when Madeira was invaded by Miguelist forces.
The Count’s most famous property is the Palheiro Ferreiro estate, currently known as Palheiro Gardens, Palheiro Golf, and Hotel Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro.
In 1883, the building was purchased by the Municipal Council and adapted to house the Municipal Council Buildings.
In the 1940s, the square underwent significant renovations, during which several buildings and walls were demolished, and the fountain was built.
São João Evangelista Church & Jesuit College
The Jesuit College of Funchal was completed in 1619. It was the largest building on Madeira island and served as a Jesuit College until 1759.
After the expulsion of the Jesuits, all documentation about the structure disappeared.
The building has since been used by many educational and now serves as the rectorate of the University of Madeira.
The façade of the building displays the leader of the Society of Jesus, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The adjacent church, also known as the São João Evangelista Church, boasts rich decorations, frescos, marble, stained glass, and a beautiful altar.
The Jesuits aimed to establish rigorous schools and propagate Catholic beliefs in the territories of new discoveries, quickly becoming the most dedicated institution of the Papacy and the Catholic Church.
Funchal Sacred Art Museum
The Sacred Art Museum of Funchal is a venerated institution committed to works of art preservation.
Housed within the historic Paço Episcopal, established by Dom Luís Figueiredo de Lemos in 1594, it opened its doors to the public in 1955.
The collection encompasses paintings, sculptures, and goldsmith works dating back to the 15th century, with a particular emphasis on Flemish paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, owing to the commercial exchange between Madeira and Flanders during the sugar production era in Madeira.
One of the most fascinating pieces is “Joachim and Anne Meeting at the Golden Gate”, a 15th-century painting regarded as a physical representation of historical figures in Madeira.
Entrance costs €3.
Things to do nearby:
Located half a kilometre towards Funchal old town, lies the exotic “Market of the Farmers”, an ideal location to acquire fresh horticultural products, open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Nestled just a mere 200 meters to the south lies the majestic Cathedral Church, erected by the command of King Manuel I. It boasts within its hallowed halls a magnificent ceiling, among the finest in all of Portugal.
500 meters towards it lies the renowned Blandy’s Wine Lodge Cellar, known for its Madeira wine, fortified and sweet flavour, perfectly complementing cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts.
