Of the many worthwhile sights on Madeira, the old town of Funchal is one of the special highlights.
The Zona Velha, as it is called in Portuguese, is home to numerous restaurants, cafes and street artists.
The doors in particular, but also some of the house facades, are artistically designed.
The main street is Rua de Santa Maria.
Funchal's old town is also home to the famous cable car to Monte, where, among other things, the Monte Palace and Madeira's basket sleigh ride can be found.
The old town is located in the center of the island's capital, parallel to the sea.
Therefore, the old town area also includes a small beach.
The city center of Funchal is adjacent.
Here you will also find historical buildings such as the cathedral, which was built at the end of the 15th century. One of the most famous sights is right at the beginning of Funchal's old town: the Mercado dos Lavradores. This is a market hall that mainly sells flowers, fruit and vegetables, fish as well as basketry and leather goods from...
Read moreMadeira's Old Town: Hidden Treasures - Artists, Murals, Sculptures and Beautiful Tumbledown Houses to find.... Funchal´s Old Town, with some of its 15th century buildings, cobblestoned streets, lined with restaurants oozing gastronomical delights is a popular destination. If you take the time to wander through many of alleyways leading off and up to the top of the old town you will discover many beautiful abandoned houses. One in particular will surely be restored one day! See if you can find it just from the images taken. Hidden Treasures were the art murals which adorn so many of the doorways, walls, and buildings. Very talented artists who exhibited their diverse art in an amazing old building as their showcase. Many images of this street art has been shot over a period of time and it maybe this place will be gentrified in the years to come. However it is unique to this place and there is something about a shot in time that is forever...
Read moreZona Velha/Old Town, one of the oldest (and very poor and dangerous up until recently) areas in Funchal is located between Rua do Visconde Anadia and Traveessa das Torres. The area is one of Funchal´s main tourist hotspots, popular for its historical, architectural, gastronomical and artistic aspects. Zona Velho combines a picturesque setting of narrow cobblestone streets lined by aged buildings (some dating back to the 15th century) and a variety of shops, bars and restaurants. It includes points like Miradouro do Socorro, Santa Maria Church, Capela do Corpo Santo, Mercado dos Lavradores and the famous Santa Maria street. Like in many other old towns around the globe, the city council here has initiated a project in an attempt to revitalize this part of town and make it more culturally significant for both locals and tourists. Highly recommended !!! (Cameras on...
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