The Ribeira Brava Main Church, also known as the Church of São Bento, is a true masterpiece of sacred art. For a comprehensive guide to Madeira, including the best time to visit, please refer to ‘Top Things To Do In Madeira‘. If you are looking for a detailed itinerary for Funchal, we recommend ‘Things To Do In Funchal‘.
Its rich and distinctive decoration in gilded wood carving, as its various unique adornments on the walls, make it truly one of a kind.
- Coordenadas: 32.671201, -17.064776
Address
Rua Camachos 20, Ribeira Brava
Since its humble beginnings as a small 15th-century chapel, it has been progressively expanded and developed, culminating in the majestic building that now stands at the city’s heart, overlooking the sea.
Phone
291952172
Map
Stepping inside the church is a moving experience, immersing us in a world of sacred art. The interior is filled with valuable and intriguing details. Visitors can admire the image of the Our Lady of the Rosary, a Flemish production from 1520.
The profusely carved twisted columns of the central nave’s side altars are particularly noteworthy. The spacious square in front of it only enhances its importance in the region.
The church is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7:30 am to 6 pm, and closed only on Mondays. As a lover of sacred art, it must be emphasized that this church is a treasure that should not be missed. The Flemish influence and the decoration in gilded wood carving are remarkable testimony to the creativity of the artists who built it.
Things to do nearby:
The São Bento Fortification in Ribeira Brava was built on the orders of the Governor and Captain-General of Madeira in the early 18th century and is now an iconic city tourist attraction.
The Madeira Ethnographic Museum preserves a cultural treasure trove that includes delicate Madeiran embroidery and a distinguished collection of antique farming tools. Moreover, the museum gardens are a majestic masterpiece, providing a serene and inspiring environment.
It is a unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the island. Fajã dos Padres, a peculiar place on Madeira Island, can be reached by cable car, offering unparalleled giant cliff views.
Since 2012, the Cabo Girão viewpoint has featured the Skywalk, a suspended glass platform that challenges your limits, especially if you suffer from vertigo. It is a magnificent perspective of the Madeiran landscape.
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