Driving into the night in Funchal Madeira by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

About "Driving into the night in Funchal Madeira"

by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

About the artwork

Funchal is the capital and largest city of Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago known for its beautiful mountainous terrain, rugged coastline and lush greenery, set in the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination.

Founded in 1421 by Portuguese explorers, Funchal was named after the abundance of fennel that grew in the area. Over the centuries, Funchal became an important port and trading centre for goods such as sugar and wine, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its natural harbour made it a stopover for European ships travelling to Africa, Asia and the Americas. Today, Funchal is a vibrant city that combines historical charm with modern amenities. It is known for its colonial architecture, colourful markets and numerous gardens.

Funchal's historic centre has cobbled streets, traditional Madeiran houses and vibrant street art. The area is popular for its restaurants, bars and craft shops. The Monte Palace Madeira is a tropical garden with exotic plants, ponds and oriental gardens. Nearby, the Botanical Garden of Madeira offers more than 2,000 different plant species, including endemic species. The Funchal cable car offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes, from the old town to the parish of Monte.

The 16th-century Sé Cathedral is one of Madeira's oldest buildings and has a beautiful wooden ceiling made of local cedar wood, as well as intricate Manueline-style architecture.