Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Posted by: 
manchanegra
N 32° 38.988 W 016° 54.514
28S E 320994 N 3614073
Funchal is the capital city of Madeira.
Waymark Code: WM688P
Location: Arquipélago da Madeira, Portugal
Date Posted: 04/21/2009
Views: 27
Funchal, population 100,526, is the chief city of Madeira Island and is the capital of the Madeira Autonomous Region, Portugal.
Funchal is also the largest city on the islands and with its neighbouring boroughs (municipalities) of Camara de Lobos, Santa Cruz, Machico and Ribeira Brava has over 150,000 inhabitants. It is the most populous Portuguese city, outside mainland Portugal. The Funchal urban conurbation includes the cities of Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Caniço and Santa Cruz, all on the south side of Madeira. Funchal is located in a unique area on the island; the natural geological features form an "amphitheatre" surrounding the city, which begins at the harbour and rises almost 1200 metres high on gentle slopes. This provides a natural shelter and was what attracted the first settlers. Funchal is a cosmopolitan and very panoramic city with several parks. There are many hotels, including deluxe properties. Funchal has been Madeira's capital for more than five centuries, and is said to have been so named because of the abundance of fennel (funcho - in Portuguese) growing there.
The Funchal Municipality includes the Savage Islands (Ilhas Selvagens), a nature reserve 160 km (100 mi) South of Funchal.
Parishes(Freguesias)
The municipality (Municipio) and city (Cidade) of Funchal coexist as one. Its urban area spawls from the harbour on the Atlantic to the mountain and hills above. There are ten parishes/paroquias: Imaculado Coração de Maria, Monte, Santa Luzia, Santa Maria Maior, Santo António, São Gonçalo, São Martinho, São Pedro, São Roque, Sé
The most populated is Santo António. Sé is where the cathedral is located, in the old city center.
Funchal was founded by João Gonçalves Zarco in 1421 and was elevated to city status by King Manuel I of Portugal in 1508. In the early 1400s, Álvaro Fernandes was the commander of Funchal. In the 16th century Funchal was important as a stopping place between the Indies and the New World, and was known as a wealthy place. It was also the port for Madeiran sugar and wine.
As a curiosity, the record for the largest firework display was achieved on Madeira on 31st December 2006.
The most famous people from Funchal is probably Cristiano Ronaldo, Football Player of Manchester United.
Funchal is twinned with: Oakland - USA, Honululu - USA, Livingstone - Zambia, New Bedford - USA, Maui - USA, Cape Town - South Africa,
Santos - Brasil, Herzliya - Israel, Marrickville - Austrália, Fremantle - Austrália, Leichlingen - Alemanha, Praia - Cape Verde, St. Helier - Jersey (UK)
The City Hall building dates from 1758. It was built by the order of the Count of Carvalhal to be his home.
In 1940 the building and surroounding areas were subject to major recovering works that gave him the actual look.
In the northern façade there´s a bas-relief of Santiago Menor by the Sculptor Antonio Duarte.
Name: Câmara Municipal do Funchal
Address:
Praça do Municipio
Funchal, Madeira Portugal
9004-512
Date of Construction: 1758
Web Site for City/Town/Municipality: [Web Link]
Architect: Not listed
Memorials/Commemorations/Dedications: Not listed
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