Continuing to Wander in Funchal, Madeira

We walk through the the Zona Velha (historic old-town center) of Funchal, wandering along the narrow, table-and-chair-lined streets with painted doors on the buildings, restaurants, and cafes, heading over to Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Our Lady of the Incarnation church), and then finding, along the sea, the old fort Fortaleza de São Tiago.

Streets of the Zona Velha

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação was built in the 17th century on land originally occupied by a small chapel (destroyed by a flood) in honor of Our Lady of the Incarnation.  The neoclassical architecture of the small chapel is beautiful and inviting.

Our Lady of the Assumption

A few more streets in old town

The Fortaleza de São Tiago (Fort of São Tiago) is located on the edge of the old town district and was constructed in the early 17th century to protect the island against pirate attacks and foreign invasions. The fort is notable for its yellow walls (contrasting with the surrounding buildings), its strategic position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and its panoramic views of the sea and the city of Funchal.

 Fortaleza de São Tiago

After exploring the fort, we stroll back through the city streets, along the sea, over to the Funchal cathedral, Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption).  This late fifteenth-century cathedral (construction was started in 1486) is one of the few structures that survives virtually intact since the early colonization of Madeira.

 Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

Leaving the front of the cathedral, we walk down a pedestrian boulevard, past the shop Comur de Portugal selling a wide variety of tinned Portuguese sardines.

Pedestrian Boulevard

Walls of sardines

We continue along the boulevard from the cathedral and reach Parque de Santa Catarina, overlooking the port, and stroll the paths through the botanical features, playgrounds, lake, and stunning views of the sea, a tranquil escape from the city nearby.

Parque de Santa Catarina

Old equipment on display in the park

Map of Madeira

Returning to our ship

We're in Funchal for two days and are truly enjoying every moment!

Painted Doors in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

We wander out of the market in Funchal, Madeira, and into the old town where, in the narrow streets, starting with Rua de Santa Maria (not wide enough for cars and lined with tables and chairs from the restaurants and cafes on the street) we find beautifully painted doors.  As part of an effort to revitalize the area, the local council organized an art project, recruiting artists to paint over 200 doors into houses, restaurants, shops, galleries, garages, and every other building entrance in the area.  Artists stepped forward and the results are incredible.

Painted doors of Funchal

Wow!