Things to do in Funchal, Madeira Islands: The Best Historic Sites

Acquired in 1840 by Charles Ridpath Blandy, the Blandy's Wine Lodge has always been and is still an integral part of the production of Blandy's Madeira Wine. Located in the center of Funchal, Blandy's Wine Lodge allows visitors to Madeira an opportunity to experience first hand Madeira Wine in the making. Our tours will guide you through some of the history of the wine, its development and evolution, as well as the opportunity to taste the various styles of Madeira. Blandy's Madeira celebrated its bicentennial in 2011, the Blandy Wine Lodges give you a privileged perspective on 200 years of Madeira Wine. The lodge was bought by Charles Ridpath in the mid-19th century and not only was it an extremely valuable property, but was also very useful due to the fact that it was directly connected to the family's town house. Each one of the Lodge's rooms have their own character and due to the differing temperatures and humidity, the wines all have differing ageing profiles based on their location within the lodge. The eastern warehouse holds wine dating back to 1920 and the family's private vintage collection is held within thick stone walls, below the ground floor. The museum holds artefacts that include letters from Sir. Winston Churchill, coins from Blandy's bank and the island's oldest wooden lagar, dating back to the 17th Century. Murals from the renowned German artist Max Romer decorate the tasting room and references from the company's wide range of vintage wines are held in the sala frasqueira. Today the Lodge is the heart of the family's wine business where over 650 casks, tonnels and vats are stored, ageing the finest of the family's wines in the traditional canteiro method.

Founded by royal charter of D. Sebastiao in 1569, the Jesuits' College of Funchal marked, throughout the centuries, the lives of the inhabitants of Madeira Island. For more than 400 years of history, it served a number of tenants, from British invaders to the University of Madeira, coming to serve as a military facility and a number of schools. Despite its military applications, it has always kept a close relationship with education. Portrayed as "one of the most remarkable buildings that exist in the island" by historian and professor at the University of Madeira Rui Carita, the Jesuits' College of Funchal is the stage of a cultural and scientific awareness project lead by the Students' Union meant for both local residents and visitors of the region. The inauguration of another Gaudeamus - AAUMa Academic Store at the entrance of the College was the starting point of its opening for the general public. Added to it was a circuit of autonomous tours of the College, as well as monthly gatherings for Coimbra Fado and a service of guided tours, whose circuit includes reserved areas of the University of Madeira Rectory, among others. The Students' Union has also published The Jesuits' College of Funchal - A History, by Rui Carita, a book that narrates the history of the College, its tenants and its transformations throughout the centuries. These are projects that, above all, show the spirit of this institution, which benefits from a precious asset both scarce and undervalued in this country; the volunteer work and the dedication of a solid team. Everyone's contribute will be vital, even if in the form of a simple visit to our store. Only then will we be able to continue financing all of the projects that we have to offer to both our associates and the population, whether free of charge or under a symbolic price.

DESIGN CENTER NINI ANDRADE SILVA is located in the emblematic building of Molhe - Fortaleza Nossa Senhora da Conceição, once the home of Gonçalves Zarco, a former Portuguese navigator and colonizer of the Madeira Archipelago. Acting and dynamic, the Design Center Nini Andrade Silva, intends to assume as a space of experiences, emotions and sharing with the best view of the city of Funchal!