Cathedral (Sé)

Funchal’s Cathedral is part of the impressive set of buildings that were thought for the island after King Manuel I came to the throne and became the head of the Order of Christ. The growth and prosperity of Funchal also helped to set these plans in motion.

The church is one of the most magnificent religious buildings ever constructed on the island in the age of the Discoveries. King Manuel I funded it, a detail that makes it even more impressive. The carved and gilded altarpiece was a gift from the king, as were the choir-stalls, the pulpit, the baptismal font and several jewellery works.

On the 12th of June, 1514, Sé was established as Cathedral and from then on all the Portuguese overseas territories were under its supervision.

When the building was completed on the 18th of October, 1517, the high altar was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Sé has suffered very few changes over the centuries and remains virtually faithful to its original design, anchored in the late gothic tradition.

Funchal