With the end of summer, many are looking for an alternative with which to escape for a weekend, escaping from routine for a couple of days. In this way, several cities around the Iberian Peninsula stand out for having a great landscape and architectural wealth, becoming ideal options for planning a last-minute trip, in which to disconnect and rest until the next return to work.
One of the main options for many tourists is to visit one of the many islands that surround the peninsula, both in Spain and in the neighboring country, Portugal. This has about 80 territories, spread across several island groups, although only about 20 of them are officially inhabited.
Thus, the island of Madeira, in the archipelago with the same name, stands out both for its history and for the unique nature that surrounds it, making it an ideal destination to visit during an autumn getaway. Its capital, Funchal, is the largest urban center on the island and has been, for years, a place of enjoyment for multiple historical and world-renowned figures.
History of Funchal
Both Madeira and the neighboring island of Porto Santo have a turbulent history, led by sailors and fishermen over multiple decades. Specifically, the capital of Funchal was founded more than 5 centuries ago, in the year 1418 by Tristão Vaz Teixeira, a Portuguese navigator and explorer. Although it would be years later, in 1508, when King Manuel I of Portugal would definitively grant the settlement the status of city.
For decades, the current capital became an important port, especially because it was on the main route between several European countries and their colonies, thus becoming a prosperous and economically prominent city by the 16th century.
In addition, merchants in the area took advantage of the port’s dedication to supplying ships that carried out the transatlantic route to market local products such as wine, popularizing the native product and transforming the enclave into an ideal territory for marketing between multi-size ships. countries.
Some time later, in the 19th century, Funchal would become famous among many personalities in high circles for its climate and natural landscapes, beginning from then on to stand out as a tourist destination. Some of the historical figures who visited the enclave are:
- The Austro-Hungarian Empress Elizabeth of Wittelsbach – also known as Sissi.
- Charles I of Austria.
- Józef Piłsudski, dictator during the Second Polish Republic.
- Winston Churchill, English Prime Minister during World War II.
- Fulgencio Batista, Cuban president and dictator.
What to see in Funchal
Most of the historical monuments are located in the center of the capital, next to the port. Furthermore, a large number of them are religious in nature, due to the great Catholic tradition that the island has maintained since its origins.
The Funchal Cathedral is one of the most prominent religious monuments in the enclave. Designed during the reign of Manuel I, the church, which was begun at the end of the 15th century and completed in 1514, mixes several styles, such as Flemish, Hispano-Gothic and Manueline.
Another of the most relevant buildings of Catholic origin are the church and monastery of the Santa Clara convent, built between 1489 and 1496, which mix the Portuguese style with the Hispanic Mozarabic style. This was restored between the 17th and 18th centuries until it was left in its current state, although several areas of the primitive construction are still preserved, such as the Gothic marble portal or the tumulus of Martim Mendes Vasconselos.
However, these are not the only churches present throughout the island territory, but the capital is full of constructions of this type. Some of the most notable are:
- Igreja do Monte.
- Church of São Pedro.
- Socorro Church.
- Church of Carmo.
- Church of Santa Luzia.
- Capela da Encarnação -or Chapel of the Incarnation in Spanish-.
On the other hand, throughout the space it is also possible to enjoy several civil and military buildings, among which the São Lourenço fortress stands out, which was built in the first half of the 16th century. In addition, the construction also includes the former palace of the area’s councilor, which today is a museum.
On the other hand, the Fortaleza do Pico – also called Forte de São João Baptista – was a key defensive element in the city, mainly against attacks by English and especially French corsairs, which even tried to invade the capital.
Throughout the entire territory it is also possible to enjoy the nature that surrounds the area, such as the Madeira Botanical Garden, which stands out for being one of the most well-kept places, with several exotic animal and plant species. In addition, the enclave stands out for the multiple cable cars it offers, through which you can enjoy unique aerial views.
How to get there and where to sleep in Funchal
As the island capital, Funchal is one of the best connected cities of all the Portuguese archipelagos. The two main methods to get to the island are by plane, via a flight to the Cristiano Ronaldo de Madeira International Airport, located in the city of Santa Cruz; or by boat, to the port of Funchal.
Regarding accommodation, the city has a great hotel offer due to its great tourist tradition. The offer is varied both in quality and prices, so it will be possible to find both high-end hotels and hostels with great charm and more affordable prices in the capital. However, it is also possible to look for accommodation on the outskirts of Funchal; A great option is to look at the Quintas de Madeira, some palace-style land on the outskirts.
#perfect #Portuguese #city #autumn #getaway #capital #island
