This is the Old Quarter and it dates back to the early 1400's, and some of the buildings certainly show that, you wonder how they are still standing!
Rua Santa Maria is an artery for the heart of Zona Velha, the old quarter of the city. For most of us tourists the street starts at Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot which runs down one side of the Mercado dos Lavradores, and extends all the way to the Forte Sao Tiago.
The street is lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants of low to mid-priced value. There is no fine dining here as such, but there are plenty of good places to eat and drink. The atmosphere is lively shall we say? When you get to the fort at the end of the road that is where you will find the more relaxed and pricier places to eat. Google maps estimate it takes about 15 minutes to walk along but it is more likely to take longer; for one thing each each eating place is going to try and entice you in, and for another, it is so crowded in the evening you have to stop to let people by before you can move on.
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Rua Dom Carlos I
Rua Dom Carlos I
Almost every frontage here is a restaurant, and the front is on Dom Carlos I and the back is on Rua Santa Maria. You would not know which is the back or front, and the the restaurants are accessible from either road.
Rooftop Views from the Madeira Story Centre
Madeira Story Centre Rooftop Views
Madeira Story Centre Rooftop Views
Madeira Story Centre Rooftop Views
Arte de portas abertas - The arT of oPEn doORs
Arte de portas abertas
"Arte de portas abertas – The art of open doors" is a vibrant artistic initiative that has transformed parts of Funchal’s historic old town into a living canvas of creativity and cultural renewal. Here’s an in-depth look at what the project is all about:
The project emerged in the wake of challenges that hit Funchal around 2010. After intense tropical rains and subsequent mudslides that left parts of the Old Town in ruins and dampened community morale, local artists and cultural promoters saw an opportunity. The idea was to revitalize dilapidated urban spaces—old shops, abandoned houses, and neglected door facades—by turning them into artworks that could spark both community pride and tourist interest. In essence, the project sought to "open the doors" of the city to art and culture, breathing new life into areas that had been forgotten or left behind.
Hundreds of doors in the city's alleyways, particularly along streets like Rua Santa Maria, have been transformed into unique pieces of art. Each door serves as a canvas for artists, resulting in a diverse gallery that spans various styles, themes, and cultural narratives.
The initiative is not solely an artistic endeavor but also a community project. It has been supported by local authorities, including contributions from city hall and figures such as the former regional secretary of tourism, João Carlos Abreu. This backing helped galvanize the involvement of numerous local and international artists, ensuring that the project resonated both artistically and socially.
By converting neglected urban surfaces into vibrant art installations, "Arte de portas abertas" has played a key role in the cultural rejuvenation and economic revitalization of Funchal’s Old Town. The transformed public spaces have attracted visitors, reactivated local businesses like cafés and shops, and have helped reframe the narrative of the neighborhood as both culturally rich and artistically daring.
The project first made a significant mark on Rua de Santa Maria, where the intervention of artists turned a once overlooked urban element into a celebrated local attraction. The first painted door on this street symbolized the start of an artistic movement that would soon expand to hundreds of sites throughout the historic center.
As the project continues, it remains a dynamic and ever-changing display of creative expression. New artworks are regularly added, and the ongoing engagement of the local community keeps the project fresh and reflective of Funchal's evolving cultural identity
"Arte de portas abertas" is more than just street art—it’s a statement about resilience and the transformative power of art. By creatively reimagining urban decay, the project demonstrates how art can drive social change, encourage community interaction, and foster economic revival in spaces that have struggled to retain their vibrancy.
Refereces
Text generated by Microsoft CoPilot
- 1. arteportasabertas
- 2. arteM
- 3. wikipedia
