The Santa Clara Convent in Funchal city Madeira Island is a historic building.
Founded at the end of the 15th century by the 2nd captain of Funchal, João Gonçalves da Câmara, grandson of João Gonçalves Zarco.
- Coordinates: 32.65085; -16.913332
João Gonçalves Zarco was the 1st donated captain of Funchal, credited as one discoverer of Madeira. They buried him under the altar of the Convent church.
It was the first female convent on the island of Madeira, built to house the daughters of the local nobility, close to the last home of João Gonçalves Zarco.
To get to know the island’s capital better, read Funchal Madeira Things To Do. For more information about the island, click Things To Do Madeira.
Location and Contacts Santa Clara Convent
Address: Calçada de Santa Clara 15, 9000-036 Funchal
Phone: (+351) 291 742 602
The convent was home to the Poor Clares, nuns and missionaries who gathered to pray before departing.
In the convent, we explored the atrium and Gundisalvus of Amarante chapel from the 16th century.
Santa Clara church houses the relics of Zarco’s descendants. 17th-century tiles cover the church walls. Looking up, the wooden panels shine in the light, giving a warm feeling.
On the walls, the old canvases, from the 17th and 18th centuries, keep traces of religious devotion.
The old walls and red roofs of the Convent of Santa Clara are testimonies of an lost intime.
The old walls, narrow windows are the hallmark of a place of serenity and devotion.
The Sack of Funchal -1566
Under the direction of the French privateer Bertrand de Montluc, Funchal plundered into chaos for 4 days.
The Nuns fled and took refuge outside Funchal (in Curral das Freiras). Barely had time to transport a custody with precious stones.
In one of the darkest corners of the convent, where they hide the custody, we still feel the echo of past times.
After the corsairs left, the nuns returned, discovering significant damage to the convent.
Rebuilt In the 17th century, the nuns’ monastery had no contact with the outside world until the 19th century.
In 1834, a decree established the extinction of religious orders in Portugal. However, the nuns could stay until their death.
In 1896, the state returned the convent to the Franciscan sisters who opened the space to the public.
This is a must-visit place to learn about the rich history of Madeira. A significant piece of the region’s historical heritage.
Things to do near the Convent
Close by is the Quinta das Cruzes Museum, formerly the last home of João Gonçalves Zarco’s family.
At the top, the São Baptista do Pico Fortress offers a stunning view of Funchal bay.
To the south, we discover the House-Museum of Freitas, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Cathedral of Funchal.
