Funchal's Old City Gate

The Old City Gate was originally constructed in 1689 as part of the continual enhancements to Funchal's fortifications.

That Funchal needed protection from pirates and foreign aggression was in little doubt.

From the founding of Funchal in the 1420s it is said that Moors and Turks were amongst the first raiders.

As early as 1493 evidence exists that proposals were made to raise funds to build a comprehensive wooden fence and wall protection for the city.

In October 1556, Pierre Beltran de Montluc of France landed in Madeira and marched on Funchal. For the 15 days that followed residences were burnt to the ground, churches pillaged and the local inhabitants robbed and murdered.

In response, from 1557 to 1576 funds were raised and fortifications built.

However, in 1580, the Spanish took control and maintained a standing army on the island until 1640 when the locals rebelled and finally rid themselves of the occupation.

João da Costa Brito was governor of the archipelago from 1680 until 1684. During this time, the city walls were greatly improved.

The old city of Funchal underwent considerable modernisation and development from the middle of the nineteenth century onward.

In particular, the the march of military progress rendered the city's fortifications largely redundant.

Thus, in 1897, the demolition of the seafront wall of defence was started. Finally, in May 1911, the gate of Varadouro was dismantled.

Fortunately, the municipal engineer, Anibal Augusto, recognised the architectural importance of the Gate Varadouro. Accordingly, provisions were made to preserve the design of the structure. The crown, royal arms and original inscribed stonework were all preserved, latter to be displayed at the Quinta das Cruzes museum.

The Old City Gate was reconstructed in 2004. This work was undertaken to mark the Funchal's 500th anniversay.

The crown, royal arms and the inscribed stonework preserved from the original city gate have been included in the restoration.

Below the crown and royal arms is the following Latin inscription: "Perfecta haec moenia varii pratecti frustra praeterito cupiunt tempore quisque suo sed Domino Laurento and servata est voluptas D'Almeida quinque istud fine coronat opus ano 1689".

The translation of this inscription reads roughly thus: "Finished by our hands to cover and protect this side. Everyone will pass in vain but our master Lourenço who is protected with the spear of Almedia and a crown of Garlands. By deed, this year 1689."

The revived City Gate now stands in its original location just down from the Rua da Alfândega in the Largo dos Varadouros.

The Old City Gate is located near Funchal seafront, just back from the prominade, in the Largo dos Varadouros.

From anywhere within Funchal, head for the seafront promenade that stretches the length of the Funchal city.

Head east away from the marina and toward the yellow Fortaleza de São Tiago that can clearly been seen on the coast in the Zona Velha district of Funchal.

You will pass the São Lourenço Palace and the Regionl Assembly building.

There are many bus stops along the stretch of roadway and it has a central grass divide.

You will find the Old City Gate up a side-road heading inland. This is the Largo dos Varadouros and there is a small cafe with outside seating here.