Monuments & Architecture
Funchal Cathedral
Funchal Cathedral displays features of the Manueline and Gothic periods and is the main religious church in Madeira, with a heritage of unequalled value.
Funchal Churches
Come and discover the municipality's extensive and surprising religious heritage.
Churches and chapels: heritage, tradition and faith
Funchal's chapels and churches are key elements of the island's history, reflecting the deepest beliefs of its people. Be sure to explore this rich heritage!
The people of Madeira have a centuries-old connection with faith. In fact, an expressive part of its traditions has direct or indirect links to the religious experience. Likewise, much of the archipelago's historical and monumental heritage is related to this dimension. Proof of this are the many chapels and churches in Funchal, a priceless legacy that deserves to be carefully explored.
Funchal
Nazaré Chapel
Built in the 15th century in Funchal, the Corpo Santo Chapel was, for several years, an association that helped fishermen and their families.
Funchal
Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda is a place of worship that, after 500 years of existence, has retained its essence in terms of architectural elements
Funchal
Chapel of Santa Catarina
Located in Funchal, in a lively green park, the Chapel Santa Catarina is the capital's oldest religious monument.
Funchal
Church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
With its modern and innovative style, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré stands out for its imposing tower and pieces carved from green marble.
Funchal
Monte Church
With its privileged location and fascinating artistic objects, the Monte Church is considered one of the most beautiful and historic in Madeira.
Funchal
Church of Santa Luzia
Adjacent to a charming garden, the Church of Santa Luzia is known for its various neo-Baroque and late-Baroque compositions.
Funchal
Santo António Church
With its rococo inspiration, the Santo António Church stands out for its truly beautiful and refined interior, built at the end of the 18th century.
Funchal
Penha de França Chapel
Located in the heart of the city of Funchal, the Penha de França Chapel is one of the few religious spaces on the Island of Madeira that celebrate mass in English.
Funchal
Babosas Chapel
The Babosas Chapel, rebuilt at the end of 2022, was initially designed to be the centre of the jubilee celebrations of the island of Madeira.
Funchal
Corpo Santo Chapel
Built in the 15th century in the centre of Funchal, the Corpo Santo Chapel was, for many years, an association that helped fishermen and their families.
Funchal
Holy Trinity Church
Built in 1822, the Holy Trinity Church was built due to the strong British presence at the island of Madeira during the 19th century. This religious place is commonly known as the English Church.
Funchal
Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Angústias
Located in the municipality of Funchal, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Angústias is a religious space that houses a set of pieces of great artistic interest.
Funchal
São Martinho Church
Located in the south of the island of Madeira, São Martinho Church is a religious space founded by Afonso Anes that hosts several festivities and cultural events throughout the year.
Funchal
St. Peter's Church
Built in the 16th century, St. Peter's Church is a religious landmark in the city of Funchal which keeps its doors open every day.
Funchal
Carmo Church
Built in the 17th century, Carmo Church is located next to Rua Fernão Ornelas. The interior of this space will surprise you, with its many 17th and 18th-century artistic objects.
Funchal
Socorro Church
Located in a beautiful area overlooking the sea, Socorro Church features Baroque architecture with decorations inherited from the ancient São Tiago temple.
Monuments & Architecture
Colégio Church
The Colégio Church is one of the most emblematic Portuguese religious monuments of the 17th century. This Jesuit temple has an invaluable heritage.
There are chapels in Funchal that take us back to the time of the island's first settlements. Such is the case of the Corpo Santo Chapel, built in the 15th century, thanks to the devotion of Funchal's Downtown fishermen. It is one of the few 15th century buildings in the region that have survived to this day.
The great diversity of chapels and churches in Funchal has room for a wide variety of architectural styles from different periods: from the popular Mannerist architecture we can find, for example, in the Colégio Church and the Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Chapel, to the Baroque lines of the Santa Luzia Church, the Rococo style of the Santo António Church and the Gothic style of the Cathedral.
Some of these religious monuments also keep extremely important artistic and decorative elements. Tile panels, sculptures, gilded woodcarving or paintings with religious themes are some of the works that can be contemplated in Funchal's churches.
