Madeira Funchal Downtown stroll

2. Funchal is the largest city, the municipal seat, and the capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of Madeira, in the North Atlantic Ocean, just northwest of the continent of Africa. The city has a population of 111,892, making it the sixth largest city in Portugal. Funchal has been the capital of Madeira for more than five centuries and is one of Portugal's most popular tourist attractions.

3. The 18th century Town Hall, Praça do Município (Municipal Square) The center of the square is a pedestrianized area paved with dark and light pebbles in wave patterns.

4. The City Hall of Funchal was built in 1758 to serve as the residence of the Count of Carvalhal. The patio area paved with dark and light pebbles in wave or geometric patterns and decorated with Battistini tiles Fountain of Leda and the swan by Germano José de Salles, 1880

5. The interior landscaped courtyard is covered with Battistini tiles, executed in 1940 in the Maria de Portugal Factory

7. The17th century Church of Saint John the Evangelist and the former Jesuit College

8. The17thcentury Church of Saint John the Evangelist (the former Jesuit College)

9. Palace of Justice Church of Saint John the Evangelist City Hall Praça do Município (Municipal Square) In the center of the square is a fountain spire towering above a wide overflowing basin. TheMuseum of Sacred Art

10. Funchal Justice Palace or Funchal Court of Justice

11. Justice (bronze, 1962) by António Duarte (1912 – 1998)

12. Baixa quarter with tower of the Cathedral Sé and Capella de Santo Antonio de Mouraria (1715)

13. Capella de Santo Antonio de Mouraria (1715)

14. Funchal Cathedral (SéCatedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção) dates from the late 15th century and is one of the oldest buildings on the island.

17. Inside Funchal Cathedral has three naves, a transept and baptistry. The whole church was built using local volcanic stone brought from Cabo Girão. The wooden choir stalls are in wood and the work of Flemish sculptor Olivier de Gand. The blue and gold seats depict saints and other religious figures dressed as local 16th-century merchants.

18. The wooden choir stalls

19. Of particular beauty is the knot-work, cedarwood ceiling based on Moorish geometric designs

21. The Sé Cathedral - Sé is the abbreviation for SedesEpiscopalis (Episcopal Headquarters). Construction of the Sé Cathedral began in 1493 by order of, and, on land donated by King Manuel I. The main nave and south aisle are paved with the tombs of bishops and local merchants

22. The mudéjar-style ceiling of Funchal Cathedral is made of insular cedar wood, with ivory inlay and detailing and measures more than 1,500 square meters, making it the largest in the national territory and one of the largest in Europe

28. The conservation and restoration work on the ceilings of Madeira's Cathedral of Funchal has been completed, representing an investment of approximately 1.2 million euros. A restoration of art that is unique in Portugal

29. Started in 1493 and dedicated on October 18, 1517, the church was elevated to Cathedral by Pope Leo X who instituted the bishopric of Funchal, then the largest diocese in the world, since it covered all territories discovered by the Portuguese, from Brazil to Japan

30. RuaDr.Fernão Ornelas - One of Funchal´s main shopping streets lined with shops that offer virtually anything that you may be searching for. RuaFernão Ornelas recently received a colourful face-lift in attempt to bring back to life the vivacity of this wonderful street

31. Brachychiton Hybrid, Flame Tree

32. Prince Henry the Navigator by Leopoldo Neves de Almeida (Portuguese, 1898 - 1975). Situated in the busy roundabout Rotunda do Infante

33. The roundabout Rotunda do Infante

34. The roundabout Rotunda do Infante Armillary sphere by António Duarte

36. João Gonçalves Zarco monument by Francisco Franco, 1934

37. João Gonçalves Zarco (c. 1390 - 1471) is a Portuguese explorer who established settlements and recognition of the Madeira Islands

38. Zarco's "discovery"—the Madeiras was the first notable achievement credited to the school of explorers founded by Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460)

39. Avenida Arriaga

40. Reconstructionwith some of the “original pieces” of the ancient gate who was given access to the city of Funchal (1689) Avenida do Mar

41. The Ritz Madeira is one of the oldest grand cafes in Funchal, located on the main street opposite the beautiful fragrant municipal gardens

42. The Café Ritz

43. Established in 1905 by textile merchant Christian Ritz as a charming café for members of high society and businessmen, it’s still a popular spot for high tea and soirées

44. Azulejos on the side of The Ritz Café in Funchal The Madeira Embroidery is one of the world’s best and was often purchased by royal houses of Europe over the past 100 years

46. Azulejos on the side of The Ritz Café in Funchal

47. Agathis robusta, commonly known as kauri pine, Queensland kauri Regional Directorate for Tax Affairs

48. Canal of Riba de Santa Luzia in Funchal center (dry riverbed during the summer season)

49. Fortaleza and Palacio de Sao Lourenco, Av. Zarco 16th century historical fortress, official residence for the Prime Minister and Military Museum