Zona Velha da Cidade do Funchal (Old Town)

The Old Town is an important historic quarter with reference to architecture and heritage. It developed along the seashore, in the lower part of the city, and many of the old fishermen’s houses and other 18th-century buildings have been converted into bars and traditional restaurants.

History tells us that the original town was founded here, its friendly streets and courtyards being what is left of the city’s first settlement.

There are a few gardens and monuments worth visiting: Capela do Corpo Santo, Fortaleza de Santiago, Madeira Story Centre, Museu de Arte Contemporânea and Museu da Electricidade.

The well-known Mercado dos Lavradores is in this quarter, as well as the station for the Monte cable car, a place of great historic and religious relevance.

Funchal