Funchal Cathedral: 500-year-old antiquity in Ronaldo's hometown

Timeless architecture on Madeira Island

Located in the capital city of Funchal, Funchal Cathedral is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Built under King Dom Manuel and inaugurated in 1514, the church has been recognized as a national monument since 1910. The building is a harmonious combination of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles, featuring solid basalt walls plastered with white stucco.

Funchal Cathedral stands out with its Gothic and Romanesque styles.

Inside the cathedral, visitors will be impressed by the distinctive dome architecture. The most distinctive artistic highlight is the ceiling, exquisitely crafted from native cedar and juniper. Geometric and animal motifs, combined with ivory inlay techniques, create a unique architectural masterpiece.

Funchal Cathedral has a domed roof and ceiling made from cedar on the island.

A place to preserve historical and cultural values

Over 500 years old, Funchal Cathedral is not only a spiritual place but also a living museum. The central area is lavishly decorated with gilded woodwork, exquisite sculptures and ancient oil paintings. This is where many masterpieces of jewelry and artifacts of great historical and cultural value of Madeira Island are kept.

The central area is decorated with many gilded wooden furniture, sculptures and oil paintings.

Funchal Cathedral currently houses many ancient paintings, sculptures, and goldsmith masterpieces of historical and cultural value from Madeira Island, Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo's special mark

For football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Funchal Cathedral has a deep personal meaning. The building is just 2.4 km from the hospital where he was born and 5 km from his childhood training ground at Nacional da Madeira. According to Jornal da Madeira, Cristiano Ronaldo and his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez plan to hold their wedding ceremony at the cathedral.

Ronaldo and his son on a visit to his hometown Madeira.

Discover the "Pearl of the Atlantic" Madeira

Besides Funchal Cathedral, Madeira Island also attracts tourists by its majestic natural beauty. Known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic", this island is famous for its clear blue beaches, the highest cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão, and natural pools formed from lava. Tourists can also visit places associated with Ronaldo's name such as the CR7 museum or his bronze statue to learn more about the island's outstanding son.