The archipelago displays a built heritage of inestimable value.
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Monuments and Architecture
An open-air museum
The Madeiran islands have a diverse architectural heritage of great historical importance. Their monuments enrich the visit to the cities and towns of this Atlantic pearl. Come and see them!
Monuments and Architecture
North Coast
Filled with iconic monuments, the north coast is well worth exploring. Immerse yourself in Madeira's culture by visiting these places.
Monuments & Architecture
São João Baptista Fort Porto Moniz
São João Baptista Fort is a replica of the fort that was built here in 1730. Located in the parish of Porto Moniz, it currently houses the Madeira Aquarium
Standing out as one of the archipelago's most iconic landmarks, the triangular-shaped and thatched roof Casas de Santana are a unique historical heritage.
If it can be said with conviction that this Atlantic archipelago is a floating garden, it is also correct to say that it is also a veritable open-air museum. This is because the islands' built heritage offers inestimable value to the streets of its towns and cities. Madeira's monuments reflect the cultural, architectural and artistic wealth of six centuries of History.
South Coast
The architectural wealth of an archipelago populated for over 600 years is easily noticed by anyone visiting Funchal.
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.
In the centre of Funchal, the Madeira Farmer´s Market is the supply point of the city. Find here the most famous fresh and tropical products of Madeira.
History tells us that the islet where São José Fort was built in the 18th century was the first shelter for the island's discoverers when they arrived.
Built in the 17th century to strengthen Funchal's defence, the iconic São João Batista Fort offers one of the most privileged panoramic views over Funchal.
The historic palace which serves as the Funchal City Hall still retains its original lines and is a harmonious example of late 18th-century architecture.
Built in the 17th century to house the city's Misericórdia and Hospital, the Regional Government Palace currently houses several regional secretariats.
Between palaces, statues, fortresses, convents, churches, fountains, shrines, cruises or theatres, visitors of this island destination have much to discover, explore and contemplate. Madeira's monuments are very diverse due to the time they were built but also due to stylistic influences from various corners of the world. This important cultural heritage has been built throughout its secular historic journey to fulfil very different roles.
East Coast
Learn more about the cultural heritage of the municipalities of Machico and Santa Cruz and discover places full of history.
Monuments and Architecture
Santa Cruz City Council
Santa Cruz City Council is an original 16th-century building, with 16th-century residential architecture and Gothic-Manueline style elements.
Thus, there are forts all over the archipelago, built to protect the population from frequent corsair attacks, palaces with lush gardens, which served the demands of the European aristocracy that passed through here, or statues and busts that celebrate some of the most important moments and personalities of Madeiran History.
West Coast
On your visit to the west coast, be sure not to miss two important buildings.
Ribeira Brava
São Bento Fort
The São Bento Fort was built in 1708 to protect the coast from corsair attacks. Today, this historic building houses a Tourist Information Office.