Funchal Cathedral, Funchal, Madeira
Funchal Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção) in the Zona Velha (Old Town) of Funchal dates from the late 15th century and is one of the oldest buildings on the island of Madeira.
Inside, it has three naves, a transept and baptistry. The whole church was built using local volcanic stone brought from Cabo Girão.
History
The church was designed by Pêro Anes with the possible assistance of master mason Gil Enes. They were sent from Lisbon by King Manuel I (1469-1521) and it is the king's coat of arms visitors can see over the Gothic doorway.
The first stone of the cathedral was laid in 1493, but the building was not completed until the mid-16th century.
Of particular beauty is the knot-work, cedarwood ceiling based on Moorish geometric designs. The main nave and south aisle are paved with the tombs of bishops and local merchants.
The wooden choir stalls are in wood and the work of Flemish sculptor Olivier de Gand. The blue and gold seats depict saints and other religious figures dressed as local 16th-century merchants.
Over the centuries, Funchal Cathedral underwent several renovations and expansions. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the cathedral was enlarged and embellished with Baroque and Rococo features, including ornate altars and intricate wood carvings.
During the 19th century, the cathedral underwent further renovations, which included the addition of a neoclassical portico and the removal of some of the Baroque and Rococo features.
In 1910, Funchal Cathedral was declared a National Monument, and it has been protected and preserved ever since.
Feast of the Assumption
The main festival of Funchal Cathedral is the Feast of the Assumption, which is also known as the Festa da Nossa Senhora da Assunção in Portuguese. This festival is celebrated on August 15th each year and it is a major event in Madeira's religious and cultural calendar.
The Feast of the Assumption commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken body and soul into heaven. It is a public holiday in Madeira, and it is marked by a series of religious processions, masses, and other events.
During the festival, the streets around Funchal Cathedral are decorated with flowers and lights, and there are parades and concerts throughout the city. The festival culminates with a grand procession through the streets of Funchal, in which a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried through the city by local dignitaries and members of the clergy.
Architecture
The architecture of Funchal Cathedral is primarily Gothic, although it also has some elements of Manueline and Baroque styles. The cathedral was originally built in the 15th century, but it underwent significant renovations and additions in the following centuries.
The cathedral's façade is made of basalt stone and has two towers with pinnacles and gargoyles. The main portal is decorated with sculptures of saints and other religious figures. The interior of the cathedral has a nave with vaulted ceilings and several chapels.
One of the most notable features of the cathedral is its painted ceiling, which depicts scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral also has beautiful stained glass windows and an intricately carved wooden choir.
Access & Hours
Sé Catedral do Funchal
Largo da Sé,
9000-055 Funchal,
Madeira
Tel: 291 228 155
Hours: Monday to Friday: from 7:15 am to 6:30 pm; Saturday from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 07:00 pm; Sundays and Holidays: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Mass times are: Weekdays: 8 am, 8.30 am. 11 am and 5.30 pm.
Saturday: 8.30 am. 11 am and 6 pm.
Sunday: 8 am, 9 am. 11 am, 5 pm and 6 pm.
Other interesting churches in Funchal are the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte (Church of Our Lady of Monte), Capela do Corpo Santo, Santa Clara, the Igreja Inglesa and the Santa Catarina Chapel.
Hotels in Funchal
Top end hotels on Madeira include the LTI Pestana Grand Ocean Resort Hotel, with spa, steam baths, saunas and indoor pool, and the long-establised Reid's Palace Hotel Madeira.
The Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino, overlooking the Bay of Funchal, the Pestana CR7 Funchal above the Museu CR7 and The Cliff Bay - PortoBay boasting indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 2-Michelin star restaurant and free Wi-Fi are also superb.
Budget options in Funchal include the 3 star Hotel Monte Carlo, the Hotel Catedral, also 3 star with air-conditioned rooms and terrace and the excellent, value for money Hotel Madeira.
Other options include the Hotel Quinta Bela S.Tiago or the budget Pensao Residencial Mirasol.
If you wish to stay in the Monte area of Funchal try the Quinta do Monte.
See a full listing of hotels in Funchal and hotels in Madeira as a whole.
