Rua de Santa Maria is one of oldest and most colourful streets in Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Located in the old town (zona velha), this sweet cobbled street leading up to the church of Santa Maria Maior, is wide enough only for pedestrians and is lined with restaurants, cafes and the odd art gallery or two.
The narrow street, which dates back to 1430 as a thoroughfare up to the church, has recently become one of Funchal’s most popular tourist attractions after the local council came up with an ingenious initiative in an attempt to revamp the slightly run down and dilapidated area.
In 2014, when the “Art of Open Doors” project was started, the street was turned into a public art space, as local artists were invited to ‘move in’ and get to work on over two hundred of the street’s doors. The idea was to create a piece of work that invites people walking along the street into experience something deeper.
In several ways, it has already achieved its goal to revitalise the old town – there is more colour, more energy and visitors tend to stop and spend more time looking around, tempted by the fascinating doors which then leads them into the resident cafes and restaurants. The street is no longer a thoroughfare, or generic dining quarter, but it has become a destination in its own right!
As an art lover, budding photographer and fan of all things eye-catching, this part of Madeira was right up my street (excuse the pun)! In fact, it was hard to drag me away from all the beautiful paintings and the many photo opportunities. But alas, I eventually left this beautiful street, albeit rather begrudgingly, but at least I have my own souvenirs in the form of photographs, a selection of which I thought I would share with you.
With over two hundred doors to choose from, the pictures above were just a handful, but hopefully they gave you a taste of what’s on offer. Do you have a favourite?
Let me know in the comments below!
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Other posts that may help you:
- What To See and Do in Funchal, Madeira
- Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace Funchal
- 7 Reasons To Visit Madeira
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Love, Victoria X
