Cathedral

9000
Phone: (+351) Funchal

Cathedral
Sé do Funchal is one of the few buildings that remained virtually intact since the colonization times.

In the 1490's, King Manuel I dispatched architect Pêro Anes to work in the cathedral, which was concluded in 1514, despite the fact that in 1508, when Funchal was declared a city, masses were already held in the temple (the bell tower was not finished until 1518).

Inside, the seats and the arm-rests of the main chapel show saints, prophets and apostles in 16th-century dress; the decorative details include images of daily life in Madeira, such as a cherubin carrying bananas and another one with a wine bag.

The church has an exceptional processional cross, offered by Kim Manuel I; it is considered one of the masterpieces of Manueline silversmithery.