FUNCHAL
(Municipality)
32.647627, -16.903360
Funchal is a Portuguese city located on the island of Madeira, with a population of 105,701 inhabitants (2021).
Funchal is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the largest city in this region. It is the seat of the municipality of Funchal, which has 76.15 km2, 105,795 inhabitants in 2021 and, therefore, a population density of 1,389 inhabitants per km2. The municipality of Funchal is currently divided into ten districts. Funchal is limited to the north by Santana municipality, to the northeast by Machico municipality, to the east by Santa Cruz municipality, to the west by Câmara de Lobos municipality, and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean.
To João Gonçalves Zarco was given the captaincy of the city in 1424, the year in which settlement began. The Selvagens Islands, 250 kilometers south of Funchal, belong to this municipality, thus creating territorial discontinuity.
Toponymy
According to the ancient chroniclers, the name of Funchal is due to the first settlers who, upon disembarking in this place, came across the great abundance of fennel, a wild herb with a sweet smell, which grew abundantly in the valley, in the area of the original town.
History
Settlement began in 1424, when the island of Madeira was divided into two captaincies. The captaincy of Funchal fell to João Gonçalves Zarco who settled here with his family. Due to its geographical position, the existence of a good seaport and the productivity of its soil, it was an important center of development for the island from an early age.
The town received its first charter between 1452 and 1454, being elevated to town and the seat of the municipality. Shortly afterwards, in 1508 it was elevated to city status.
Among the notable events in the municipality is the attack by French privateers in 1566, under the command of Bertrand de Montluc, gentleman of the court of Charles IX of France and second son of Marshal Blaise de Montluc. In September, a force of around twelve hundred men embarked in Bordeaux, in three large ships and eight smaller vessels. This armada looted Porto Santo, news that soon spread to Madeira, leading the towns of Machico and Santa Cruz to arm themselves for the eventuality. In Funchal, by order of the then governor, Francisco Gonçalves da Câmara, no attempt was made that would be considered hostile.
The armada, however, anchored on Formosa beach, disembarking a force of around 800 men, who marched on the city in three columns, without encountering resistance until the São Paulo bridge. At the height of the bridge, they were confronted by a small force from the fortress, with some small-caliber artillery pieces, which soon disbanded. At Rua da Carreira, they were fought by a small group of Franciscans, who were quickly slaughtered. The Funchal fortification was then attacked from the land side, where the defense condition was precarious and, without being able to reposition the heavy pieces pointing towards the sea, it succumbed. The city then suffered a violent fifteen-day sack, from which almost nothing escaped.
After this episode, the following year the military architect Mateus Fernandes was sent to Funchal, and from then on a profound modification of the city's defensive system was carried out. This professional's vision is recorded in the so-called "Matthew Fernandes Map" (1573), considered the oldest known plan of Funchal. Of a military nature, this document emphasizes the city's defenses, to plan a vast fortification for Morro da Pena.
In the 17th century, it marks the installation of British wine merchants who changed the city's ways of life, architectural morphology and economic development. Some notable personalities who passed through Funchal were: Amelia de Leuchtenberg, empress of Brazil and her daughter Princess Maria Amelia, Isabel de Wittelsbach, empress of Austria and queen of Hungary, better known as Sissi, the empress of Austria who sought out this city for leisure and health reasons, Charles I, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Polish Marshal Józef Piłsudski to recover his health, Winston Churchill who passed through Funchal on vacation where he painted some paintings, Fulgêncio Batista who stopped in Funchal for exile in Spain. Because of its strategic position, the port and city of Funchal were attacked during the First World War.
Geography
Relief
The city of Funchal is natural amphitheater formed by the bay, mountains to the north and east, and volcanic peaks to the west, which means that the city's urbanized area extends from sea level to 800 meters. with the mountains to the north reaching around 1800 meters in altitude at the highest points of the island's central mountain range.
The center of the municipality of Funchal is crossed by three rivers of great steepness and torrential regime: Ribeira de São João, Ribeira de Santa Luzia, and Ribeira de João Gomes.
Subdivisions
The city/municipality of Funchal is divided into 10 parishes regrouped, for tax purposes, into four Tax Neighborhoods. Each parish is governed by a Parish Council, an executive elected by the members of the Parish Assembly, directly elected by the citizens registered in its territory.
Imaculado Coração de Maria;
Monte;
Santa Luzia;
Santa Maria Maior;
Santo António;
São Gonçalo;
São Martinho;
São Pedro;
São Roque;
Sé.
The Selvagens Islands also depend administratively on the municipality of Funchal, although they do not constitute any parish. Desertas depends on neighboring Santa Cruz.
Climate
Funchal has a Mediterranean climate (Csa according to the Köppen climate classification) with mild temperatures throughout the year, with an annual average of 19.6 ºC. Unlike other locations on the south coast of Madeira, such as Ponta do Sol, Paul do Mar or Jardim do Mar, average temperatures in the coldest months are around 1 °C below a tropical climate with a dry season.
Two distinct seasons can be distinguished, although without major thermal variations between the two: the first, from October to April, with regular precipitation and average maximum temperatures that range between 25 °C in October and 20 °C in January and February; the second from May to September, with low levels of precipitation and average maximum temperatures that range between 22 °C in May and 26 °C in August and September.
The humidity level remains constant at around 70%, which translates into a greater perception of heat in relation to the actual temperatures. Total precipitation during the rainy season varies greatly from year to year.
Sea water temperatures range between 18 °C and 19 °C in February and between 24 °C and 26 °C in August and September.
Because the city is located in an amphitheater, with the sea on one side and mountains that can reach 1800 meters in altitude on the other, it is common to record clouds, rain and wind at higher elevations, while the sky is clearer in places by the sea.
At the beginning of summer, especially in June, it is common to record a phenomenon called "Funchal helmet", in which the entire bay of the city is persistently covered in clouds for several days. The phenomenon is described in an 1884 book, Madère, étudiée comme station d'hiver et d'été by Julius Goldschmidt.
It is commonly called "eastern weather", the meteorological situation of reduced visibility and increased air pollution due to the movement of hot, dusty and sandy air masses from the Sahara desert, which affects the island and also the Canary Islands, more often in the summer months.
Economy
In Funchal, the tertiary sector predominates, closely linked to tourism, in the areas of commerce, restaurants, and hotel services, followed by the secondary sector, with the civil construction, dairy, floriculture, and crafts industries.
In agriculture, vineyard cultivation predominates, followed by banana trees, ornamental flowers and subtropical fruits. Livestock farming is of little importance.
The port of Funchal is a tourist center and important for European cruises that call on Morocco, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, and Brazil, having been the first stopping point on Queen Mary II's maiden voyage.
Infrastructures
Transport
The city is served by Madeira International Airport, in the neighboring municipality of Santa Cruz.
In terms of public transport, Funchal already had a train that connected the city center to the parish of Monte, however, it ended up being deactivated and now only buses from the Horários do Funchal company remain.
Communications
On October 5, 1911, the Funchal telephone network was inaugurated. The first telephone communication was established between the headquarters of Diário de Notícias and the Central Station, where Manuel Augusto Martins, at the time governor of the District of Funchal, was located.
Architectural heritage
In terms of architectural heritage, the following stand out: the Church and Monastery of Santa Clara, built between 1492 and 1497, in Spanish-Arabic style, the Fortaleza-Palácio São Lourenço, from the first half of the 16th century, the Cathedral, designed by Pêro Anes at the behest of King D. Manuel I of Portugal and which has one of the most beautiful ceilings in Portugal, made with wood from the island, and which contains a mixture of architectural styles: Flemish, with Gothic lines, and characteristics of the Manueline style. The Cathedral was finished in 1514.
Important buildings are, also, the episcopal palace, the regional government palace, the City Hall, the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theater, the Cruzes, and Municipal and Sacred Art museums.
FUNCHAL - WHAT TO DO
https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/experiencing-the-city-of-funchal/
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https://visit.funchal.pt/information/?lang=en
EMERGENCY SERVICES
NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER
112
REGIONAL COMMAND OF PSP (POLICE)
Contact: 00 351 291 208 400
MADEIRA JUDICIARY POLICE
Contact: 00 351 291 215 600
CIVIL PROTECTION SERVICE
Contact:00 351 291 700 112
SANAS – SEA RESCUE SERVICE
Contact: 00 351 291 230 112
MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE CENTRE
Contact: 00 351 291 213 112
FUNCHAL MUNICIPAL FIRE BRIGADE
Contact: 00 351 291 222 122
MADEIRENSES VOLUNTARY FIRE BRIGADE
Contact: 00 351 291 229 115
PORTUGUESE RED CROSS
Contact: 00 351 291 741 115
https://visit.funchal.pt/plan/?lang=en
Planning your visit
Even if you are a spontaneous adventurer, traveling means planning. Some aspects always need planning, such as the means of travel, the orientation and the overnight stay, which can always be planned.
To visit this cosmopolitan city always being one step ahead, not letting any important details escape.
Get to know the city!
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SLEEP IN FUNCHAL
In terms of accommodation, the municipality of Funchal is the most representative in the region, having already won some awards and distinctions in terms of hotels. In the city, it is possible to find an enormous range of accommodation establishments, able to please any tourist due to the great variety of types of accommodation with diversified values and services.
Sleeping in Funchal is the guarantee of a stay of quality and comfort, with the possibility of experiencing personalised and differentiated services.
Funchal is comfort!
https://visit.funchal.pt/eat-drink-buy/?lang=en
From the “espetada” on a laurel branch to the grilled fish and seafood, from the corn cooked with tuna steaks to the most exquisite dishes prepared by award-winning chefs, here you can find the perfect dish for every palate!
Poncha, madeira wine, produced on the island and a favourite with the madeirans, a variety of liqueurs so typical of the Christmas season, or a nikita almost in cocktail mode, add to the variety of drinks the region has to offer. Try them out!
Funchal is more flavour!
The size of Funchal invites you to take pleasant walks, but only in the city centre, being an appealing way to get to know the streets and alleys, shops and grocery shops, street vendors and friendly traders, who hide in the anonymity of many visitors.
However, the orography almost forces us to choose an alternative transport to better know the whole Capital! The offer is vast and diverse, and maybe choosing is the most difficult! Tuk Tuk or bicycle, panoramic bus or private vehicle, choose the one that best suits you, but do not stop touring every corner of our city!
Funchal is fun
https://visit.funchal.pt/maps/?lang=en
Walking around Funchal is something that will allow you to know and experience the essence of the city, as well as, to venture through its historical and charming arteries.
“Lose” yourself in the streets, pavements, avenues and squares of the city, but always with the help of the maps, we have prepared for you.
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https://visit.funchal.pt/itineraries/?lang=en#top
As you stroll through Funchal, you will get to know its history and the stories of its people, from the early days of the sugar trade to the more recent past. Walk through the streets of a city that is over 500 years old, with a unique cosmopolitan vein, marked by experiences, colours and aromas, in a huge diversity. Marvel at how much it has to offer you. Welcome to the capital of the best island destination in the world!
Itineraries
https://visit.funchal.pt/history/?lang=en
The history of a place is one of the most important things to consider when visiting it, as it is through it that we can really get to know and understand the whole essence of that place.
History is an important factor in determining and understanding why a city is what it is, and Funchal is no exception. Knowing our history, you will better understand all the dynamics and personality inherent to this city full of history and stories.
Funchal is History
https://visit.funchal.pt/the-city/?lang=en
THE CITY
Funchal
The name Funchal derives from the plant Foeniculum vulgare, known as fennel. Reports from the time indicate that the original settlers have given this name because when disembarking they came across a vast quantity of trees and fennel plants.
Despite the abundance of fennel, sugar was able to provide shape to the sustainable economy in the city of Funchal and the whole island.
Sugar production, as well as the vineyard, became indispensable for the local economy. This is the reason that their icons were incorporated into the city’s coat of arms.
Site: www.funchal.pt
Online Services: cmfonline.funchal.pt
https://visit.funchal.pt/monte/monte-events/?lang=en
MONTE IN FESTIVE!
OTHERS
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PARKS AND GARDENS
The subtropical climate, the volcanic origin, the orography and the humidity of the region, allow the existence of a variety of exuberant vegetation, exotic flora, with high diversity.
Charles Darwin included several Madeiran species in his scientific works. James Cook, on the other hand, visited the archipelago in search of rare botanicals. He started systematic scientific thinking in Europe to get to know the flora and fauna.
Funchal offers us unique Parks and Gardens of immense beauty, with spaces ideal for pleasant walks and possible to visit at any time of the day, whatever the season.
Many of these gardens are dimensional with different textures, lights, colours, smells and some of them host events such as festivals and concerts.
Come and discover this natural beauty and its pleasant aromas!
In terms of accommodation, the municipality of Funchal is the most representative in the region, having already won some awards and distinctions in terms of hotels. In the city, it is possible to find an enormous range of accommodation establishments, capable of pleasing any tourist due to the great variety of types of accommodation with diversified values and services.
Sleeping in Funchal is the guarantee of a stay of quality and comfort, with the possibility of experiencing personalised and differentiated services.
Beaches and Bathing Complexes
To visit the churches and chapels of a city is to get to know the various styles of built heritage, of historical-architectural, artistic and religious value, is to get to know the works commissioned by our kings in the different Portuguese reigns.
What stands out most in religious architecture are the Catholic Churches, bearing in mind that Catholicism is the predominant religion in our country. However, in Funchal, other churches coexist: the Anglican, Presbyterian, Evangelical, Universal Kingdom of God, Adventist and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
From its vast green gardens to the Largo da Fonte, passing through the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte and the Interpretative Centre of the Railway, Monte is one of the most emblematic parishes of Funchal.
Situated at about 580m high, it offers its visitors a range of unique and exciting experiences, such as cable car rides and wicker sledges.
Monte is a “must-see” place that you will hardly forget!
Monte is history!
Monte is romanticism!
The Farmers’ market designed by Edmundo Tavares (1892-1983), was inaugurated on the 24th of November 1940. Evidence of the Estado Novo’s architecture reflects, the grandiosity of its design, the intention of making it the city’s major supply hub.
The facade, the main door and the fishmonger’s shop are adorned with large tile panels of Faiança Batisttini de Maria de Portugal, dating from 1940 and painted with regional themes by João Rodrigues. In its space, organized in small “Plazas”, “Squares”, “Streets” and “Steps”, products of all kinds are sold, mixing colours, sounds, smells and diverse people.
Information
Address: Rua Brigadeiro Oudinout, 9060-158 Funchal
Horário: Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday and Holidays
Contact: +351 291 214 080
E-mail: unidade.mercados@funchal.pt
VIEWPOINTS
The capital of Madeira offers a range of Viewpoints where you can delight yourself with the beauty of our landscapes, over the whole amphitheater, the magnificent bay of Funchal and its surroundings.
It is possible to contemplate completely different sceneries by simply changing your point of observation, being these idyllic locations for capturing unique photographs and panoramas.
From some Viewpoints, it is possible to deepen geological knowledge through the materials that compose their distribution, alterations, and visible transformation that it occurs through centuries.
Take the chance to visit our Viewpoints and experience the breathtaking landscapes.
As the 1960s progressed, there was a timid renewal of Sculpture. The first sculptural works appeared, with a more contemporary style, considering what had existed until then.
The Estado Novo (New State) did not intend, and always avoided, paying homage to historical facts that would overshadow national pride and an example of this was the statue of Christopher Columbus, which was not the most appreciated historical figure.
However, in Madeira, the navigator assumed a special importance due to his hypothetical passage and stay on the Island. In this sense, the sculpture was acquired by the City Hall in 1940 and inaugurated in 1947, which we find in Santa Catarina Park.
In general the sculptures integrated into projects already of modern architecture, the new sculptures, introduce a less common language, brought to Funchal by some of the most active sculptors in the Continent.
All over the city, you can find the most diverse sculptures, whose tributes range from embroiderers to emigrants scattered all over the world, from the Great War Fighters to the discoverers of our island.
Pay attention to the details that this art transmits!
MUSEUMS
The city of Funchal offers several museum spaces, counting about twenty museums with varied themes and endowed with valences that increasingly meet the preferences and interests of visitors.
They allow us to travel back in time, give wings to our imagination, explore technologies, remember golden times, and get to know the history and culture, habits and traditions of a hard-working, hospitable and generous people, who have preserved over the years a vast legacy so that their history would never be lost. They are our cultural heritage and hold secrets that only here can unveil!
The 18th of May is dedicated to Museums, and most of them allow free access and activities to commemorate this international day.
Museums exist for you. Visit them!
ECOLOGICAL PARK
FUNCHAL
It was established the Funchal Ecological Park in 1994 as an initiative of the Funchal City Hall. It is located 12 km from Funchal and is in a mountainous area with an extension of approximately 10km2, which varies between 470 and 1818 meters of altitude. Its primary objectives are nature conservation, the promotion of environmental education and the provision of infrastructure for the recreation and leisure of visitors.
There is a Reception Centre, responsible for the dynamization of the Park’s activities and whose conservation and nature recovery counts on the involvement of several school communities, companies and the population, especially in the reforestation process.
In the Park, you will also find an incubator that you can visit that is full of indigenous plants, where the plants destined for reforestation are produced.
It is still possible to find a reservoir. In the past, stored snow and hail, the Poço da Neve, a Madeiran cultural heritage and whose appearance resembles an Eskimo’s igloo. The ice stored here was intended for hotels and hospitals when this was a rare commodity.
Funchal is nature
Location
Location: Estrada Regional 103, nº 259, Ribeira das Cales, Monte , Funchal
Area: 1.000 ha | Altitude: 470 a 1.810 m
Municipal Public Property
Entry: Free
Opening Hours:
South Gate – 8:30 a.m to 7 p.m. / Pico Alto (High Peak) Gate – 8:30 a.m to 7 p.m.
Closed: Only in case of bad weather conditions
Contact: 00 351 291 784 700
E-mail: pecof@funchal.pt
Website: Parque Ecológico do Funchal
Public Transport: Company Horários do Funchal – Interurban Service
MONUMENTS
Throughout Funchal’s Historic Centre, you can find various Monuments of great historical and heritage value, almost all of them spectacular and housed in beautiful buildings. You can visit forts, fortresses, civil, military and religious palaces, among others, with several centuries of existence.
The Monuments keep the collective memories of lived events in our city, which already has over 500 years of history. The architectural sets, safeguard our heritage and confer identity to places, sites, and parishes.
The island defense has always been a constant concern, both for the kings and the donors of the region, and for this reason, some of these buildings were built, as the coast was frequently attacked by pirates, leaving the population in constant alarm.
The 18th of April is dedicated to the Monuments, and most of them allow free access on this international day.
A Heritage for All. Come, visit our Monuments, and remember our history!
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SEARCH IN FUNCHAL
MUNICIPALITY
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