We visited the 16th-century Church of São Salvador in Santa Cruz, one of the most beautiful on Madeira island. For activities in Funchal, check out Things To Do In Funchal. Learn more about the island in Top Things To Do In Madeira.
- Coordinates: 32.688276, -16.792378
Long ago, there was a small chapel here. It was where the first inhabitants gathered to celebrate religious festivals. But the chapel was tiny, and many were left outside without being able to enter.
Even so, they celebrated with devotion and in the rain if necessary. Those were different times.
The “new” temple was built by order of King Dom Manuel I, almost a copy of Funchal Cathedral but on a smaller scale.
Map
The construction was a real challenge. The architect is unknown.
The main suspect is the talented Diogo Boitaca (the first author of the works at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon).
In any case, it withstood the weather, pirate invasions, and political changes. In this sense, it represents the identity of the Madeiran people well.
The patron saint? The very Christ himself, since the church is dedicated to São Salvador.
In São Salvador, there is an understanding that only Jesus Christ can save us from condemnation. No saint can really promise this.
Santa Cruz is a reference to Christ, specifically to the crucifixion cross.
In any case, the church is beautiful. The bell tower stands like a sleeping sentinel, crowned with the cross of Christ.
Upon entering, one is struck by a serene and welcoming atmosphere. The silence is only interrupted by our footsteps and the murmurs of prayers.
We gaze at the three aisles, separated by columns adorned with intricate carvings of floral and animal motifs. The painted wooden ceiling is with beautiful geometric and floral designs, culminating in the striking figure of Christ at the centre.
A sight to behold!
We behold the tomb of the Spínola family, descendants of Italian origin and sugar merchants.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, sugar was a luxury consumed only by the nobility and the wealthy.
The sugarcane plantation in Madeira was so lucrative that it initially focused solely on this crop. It was Infante Dom Henrique, Governor of the Order of Christ, who ordered the planting of sugarcane in Madeira.
João de Freitas Tomb
In the main chapel, we find the tomb of João de Freitas, the founder of the municipality of Santa Cruz.
Freitas was a knight in the household of Dom Diogo, Master of the Christ Order (successors to the Templars in Portugal).
Dom Diogo died young, at the very hand of King Dom João II (his cousin), because Diogo had the plan to kill him.
Dom João II was a great strategist who pushed Portugal into its golden age. But was seen as a tyrant by the great nobles who wanted greater independence from the centralizing power of the king.
Dom Manuel I, the younger brother of Dom Diogo, became the new Master of the Order of Christ.
Meanwhile, João de Freitas was sent as part of the Portuguese forces to defend the Portuguese strongholds in North Africa.
He was always outnumbered by the forces of Islam that insisted on expelling the Portuguese… Even the climate of North Africa was hostile, let alone the determined Muslim warriors.
Those who were happy to see him were the Portuguese in Africa. They recognized him as very brave and became a trusted man of Dom Manuel I when he became king.
Upon his return to Portugal in 1511, João de Freitas was awarded as a Receiver of the Treasury in present-day Santa Cruz, fertile fields where the lucrative “white gold” flourished.
Things to do nearby
There are several tourist attractions nearby that we can consider visiting. One of them is the Madeira Aquapark, a water park for the whole family.
Visit the Santa Cruz municipal market to find fresh local produce and crafts.
Other interesting places nearby include:
The Caniço Matriz Church boasts interesting architecture, a notable example of the transition between Baroque and Rococo styles. It has recently been restored.
Palmeiras Beach is a pebble beach in Santa Cruz. It is popular in the summer with two pools (for adults and children).
Machico’s golden sandy beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Madeira. It is very peaceful and clean. Machico was the first city in Madeira.
At Ponta da Oliveira, we have a cliff that offers beautiful panoramic sea views. It is a popular diving spot from July to October.
Ponta de São Lourenço is an extensive peninsula located at the eastern end of the island of Madeira, near Caniçal. It is stunning and wild. It’s a must-see!
