Living Culture Tour

Get to know the history of Funchal on a staged tour performed by young Madeiran actors who breathe new life into the city's culture.

Discover the city of Funchal on the island of Madeira on a staged tour performed by young local actors.
At the Jesuits College in Funchal, watch as a Jesuit priest shows us his pupils' school. Following the scent of the sugar cane honey cake, meet with one of the nuns from Santa Clara's convent who invented the Madeiran dessert. The sweets need sugar and its biggest producer was João Esmeraldo, a good friend of Columbus.
Learn about privateers like Bertrand de Montluc, who gained their fame through treasures coming from the sugar trade. To defend Funchal, the master Mateus Fernandes reinforced the city walls, from the Customs House to the fortress of São Lourenço.
Madeira wine is shipped all over the world from cellars on the west side of Funchal. Listen as two winemakers enjoy a moment of rest in the beautiful Municipal Garden. Madeira is a nature lovers´ paradise and its climate helps curing lung diseases and attracts tourists.
After the tour, return to the Jesuits College, which — surprise — will have turned to a military school and then to an university.

Highlights:

• Travel through six centuries in two hours

• Talk with people from the past and get to know their stories

• Explore the historic city center and learn about monuments, gardens, restaurants and sights

Important information:

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

• Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

• This is a walking tour, guided by an European volunteer participating in the ERASMUS+ Programme, as part of the History Tellers initiative by Académica da Madeira.

Spoken languages:

• English