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Funchal Accommodation
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Funchal - What to do
Funchal Golf Courses
Palheiro Golf Course
Porto Santo Golf Course
Funchal Guest Book
Madeira Island Forum
Funchal Wines
Madeira Wines
Funchal - History
This Island was known to by sailors earlier than the original
landing of explorers which took place in the early 15th
Century led by the Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves
Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira in 1419. The
following year an attempt was made to create a settlement.
In 1466 the first slaves arrived on the Island to help
clear the undergrowth and create plantations. In 1473 Dom
Afonso V granted the Island to the Duque of Viseu and Beja.
It became a fought over prize for both the French and the
Spanish. In 1479 the famous explorer married his Portuguese
wide and then moved to Porto Santo Island where he lived
for several months. Funchal was officially granted the
title of town in 1508. French pirates sacked Funchal in
1566 and again in 1570, and it was not until 1662 when the
Portuguese regained permanent control from these passing
adventurers of many European nationalities.
An English fleet arrived in 1801 and temporary took Funchal
by ousting the Spanish and French defending forces. This
action was repeated by the English in 1807 and in 1808 when
General Beresford, as Commander-in-Chief of the
Anglo/Portuguese army, until it was returned to entirely
Portuguese control in 1814.
In 1832 a fleet in support of Dom Miguel unsuccessfully
blockaded Funchal from March until May to demonstrate his
intentions to his hold the self-appointed crown from his
liberal minded brother Dom Pedro IV. In 1840 England
threatened to invade Madeira (including Macau and Goa),
if the Portuguese slave trade was not terminated. In 1840
there is a serious food shortage on the island causing
much suffering which is followed in 1855 by an outbreak
of cholera. The situation was not further improved due
to political unrest and in 1870 the army had to quell
riots in the town of Funchal. Some 20 years later the
English began to settle on the Island in force and the
already established Madeira Wine Industry became better
organised, whilst the cottage industry of lace, was
developed for export, both of which have become world
famous.
The Portuguese State in 1901 officially granted Madeira
their own autonomy from Lisbon. The next notable event
was when the first flight from Lisbon arrived on the
22nd of March in 1921. Later, the economics instability
of mainland Portugal spilled over into Funchal and once
again in 1931 there were serious riots due to the price
of corn. After the World War II it became very popular
for inhabitants to emigrate to South Africa in search of
a living. Today, the Island's population now greatly
depends on the tourist industry which has spread all over
Madeira including Porto Santo Island.
Funchal - Description
The town and port of Funchal is the principal
town of the Ilha de Madeira. The port is
architecturally pleasing with the added attraction of
its decorative paved streets. Visitors to the island are
usually smitten by the impressive rugged beauty of its
peaks in comparison to the lush semi-tropical vegetation
around its coastline. The 15th Century Convento de
Santa Clara is well worth a visit and to also learn
the tragic story of the nun, Maria Clementina.
The 17th Century church Igreja do Colégio
dominates the main square. There are several museums
worth visiting, from sacred art to local handcrafts.
The quality of the Madeira Lace is world known
and it continues to be produced with over 20.000
cottage industry workers scattered over the island.
Another equally famous product is the Madeira wine. A
visit to the Adegas de São Franciso to learn
how it is made and stored as the oldest bottles still
held dates back to 1772!
Funchal Weather (detailed)
Detailed Madeira weather conditions
Madeira Photos
Madeira Mountain View
· Madeira Coastal View
· Madeira Mountain Walk
· Madeira Mountains
· Madeira Basket Weaving
· Madeira Christmas Fireworks
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Funchal Events |
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| Flower Festival |
April/May |
| Music Festival |
May & June |
| Wine Festival |
September |
| New Year’s Eve |
December
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Useful
Funchal Facts |
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| Postal Code |
 9000 |
| Altitude |
25 mts |
| Inhabitants - (Funchal) |
100.600 |
| Distances |
Azores - 950 kms
Lisbon - 960 kms
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Useful
Funchal Telephone Numbers