With its whitewashed exterior, brick bell tower, Mudejar-style inlaid wood ceiling, and ornately gilded altarpiece, the Sé Cathedral of Funchal boasts a striking Gothic design with a distinctly local twist. Commissioned by King Manuel I shortly after the Portuguese colonization of Madeira, the church is considered one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture and has been listed as a National Monument since 1910. Today, the cathedral attracts worshippers as well as sightseers, thanks to its prime position in the heart of Funchal’s Old Town.
The Sé Cathedral of Funchal is featured on numerous sightseeing itineraries, from speedy hop-on hop-off bus tours to walking and tuk-tuk tours of the city. It’s also easy to swing by the cathedral for a visit as part of a cultural day out in Funchal.