The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, a hundred-year-old building dating back to the 16th century and expanded in the 18th century, is in the parish of Madalena do Mar, in the Municipality of Ponta do Sol, on the picturesque Island of Madeira.
It is considered a Monument of Municipal Interest, attracting tourists and locals who seek a glimpse of the region’s religious history. Discover all there is to see and do on Madeira with Things To Do Madeira or explore the charming Things To Do In Funchal.
- Coordinates: 32.701642, -17.133511
The religious festivities of the parish are dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, celebrated on July 26th, and to the Most Holy Sacrament, on the third Sunday of August.
Inside, the church features a side pew for the Table Brothers and two beautifully decorated balconies, elements of rare beauty.
The church’s origins date back to the distant 15th century when the mysterious figure of Henry the German disembarked on the island. He ordered the construction of a small chapel in these lands.
Over the years, the church was expanded, becoming one of the most beautiful examples of Madeira’s religious architecture.
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History
In addition to the rich history of the Church of Santa Maria Madalena, the area of Madalena do Mar holds much more to discover.
Legend has it that King Ladislau III of Poland, who fled to Madeira after the defeat of Christians in the Battle of Varna in 1444, lived in the area and married a local Algarvian woman named Senhorinha Anes.
Documents in the archives of the Order of the German Knights of Saint Mary of Jerusalem confirm this legend, declaring that King Ladislau lived on the “islands of Portugal” in 1472.
Sadly, Henrique Alemão, as he was known in Madeira, died prematurely in a landslide near Cape Girão.
Today, visitors to the Museum of Sacred Art in Funchal can admire the painting “Meeting of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne at the Golden Gate”, believed by many to depict Henrique Alemão and his wife.
Over time, Madalena do Mar became an important centre of sugar cane cultivation, renowned for its abundance of seafood restaurants specializing in the local catch.
Things to do nearby:
The Madalena do Mar region is a rich destination, abounding in picturesque locations and captivating landscapes.
One of the most popular attractions in the area is the beautiful Madalena do Mar Beach, whose rocks ensure a peaceful sunbathing experience.
Not far from here, in Ponta de Sol, the Cascata dos Anjos Waterfall is a fascinating spectacle for visitors, who gather to admire the waterfall cascading down the side of the regional road and joining the sea.
For those seeking a nature experience, the Levada do Moinho is a scenic hiking trail that offers incredible views of local flora and fauna. At the top of the route, we can appreciate the spring that forms a waterfall.
Not far away, we find the serene and sheltered Calheta Beach, a perfect place to relax under the hot sun.
For a magical sunset, Fajã dos Padres is a pebble beach next to a high cliff that promises an incredible experience.
Finally, the Cabo Girão Skywalk offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the region, with a vertiginous platform suspended over the cliff that allows us to appreciate the beautiful city of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.
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