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Historic neighborhood · Funchal, Madeira
Zona Velha do Funchal
The oldest neighborhood of Funchal, around Rua de Santa Maria, with doors painted by artists, restaurants, the Capela do Corpo Santo and the Forte de São Tiago by the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Zona Velha do Funchal
The Zona Velha is the oldest part of Funchal, where fishermen used to live. Rua de Santa Maria, the city's first street, runs through the neighborhood parallel to the sea.
Since 2010, an urban art project has invited artists to paint the doors of houses, and today the street has hundreds of doors decorated with scenes, portraits and colorful patterns.
In the neighborhood are the Capela do Corpo Santo, from the 15th century and linked to the fishermen, and the Forte de São Tiago, from the 17th century, yellow and by the sea.
The street has dozens of restaurants and bars with tables on the pavement. Nearby is the lower station of the cable car that goes up to the Monte.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
In the late afternoon and at night, when the restaurants open. In the morning the painted doors are easier to photograph.
How to get there
It is in the east of Funchal's center, a few minutes' walk from the Mercado dos Lavradores.
Tip
Some restaurants approach visitors on the street; choose carefully. Combine it with the Monte cable car next door.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zona Velha do Funchal
What are the painted doors of Funchal?
House doors on Rua de Santa Maria painted by artists as part of an urban art project started in 2010.
What to see in Zona Velha?
Rua de Santa Maria, the Capela do Corpo Santo and the Forte de São Tiago.
Is Zona Velha good for dinner?
Yes, the street has many restaurants with pavement seating.