Town Hall
Town Hall
4.5
About
On the one hand, the primitive administration of the islands’ rural areas functioned as a system of hereditary captaincies which were based on the feudal system of subordination of lands. On the other hand, due to its condition of town, Funchal’s administration was ran exclusively by its own inhabitants through a group of government bodies formed by the Homens Bons, gentlemen who were among the most influential people in Funchal. Circa 1453 King Afonso V granted the local population the rights of a small town. Dom Manuel, Duke of Beja and Viseu and future king of Portugal ordered the construction of some public buildings in Funchal, specifically a Notarial Palace and a City Hall, on some of the lands he owned on the eastern bank of St. Lucy’s River. The construction of this first City Hall, placed behind the cathedral, finished in 1491 and in 1508 Funchal obtained its coat of arms. Later the local authorities moved to a 19th century building located next to the square that lies in front of the cathedral. This building had been distrained by Funchal’s government as a result of the money that its owner owed to the local authorities. The development of the city forced its authorities to look for a larger place to hold its headquarters. Their search eventually ended up leading them to the Carvalhal Esmeraldo Palace, located next to the Jesuits’ College, being that the space was first rented and then acquired in 1883, the authorities remaining there until today. The current City Council Palace underwent several renovations too, especially during the 1940s according to the plans of the architects Carlos Ramos and Raul Lino. The main facade suffered some changes as well as some of the rooms and even the area around the palace.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
76 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
36
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9
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Paul H
Bournemouth, UK1,803 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
A lovely looking building from the outside, which is situated on the main square (Praca do Município). It is lit up at night too, with purple lighting in the windows. Fully functioning still today as a governmental building. There is a courtyard inside that tourists can enter for free.
Written April 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardengel-IoW
West Sussex, UK1,014 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Worth sticking your nose inside for 5 minutes for free. Nice tiles and patio with sculpture/water feature. Do walk in to patio and look back for view of galleries.
I found it very difficult to find information on the tour that should let you go up the tower, so we didnt do it unfortunately.
I found it very difficult to find information on the tour that should let you go up the tower, so we didnt do it unfortunately.
Written March 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan
Bridgend, UK36 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Visited Madeira many times and was not aware that you could visit the City Hall. The visit at a small price is informative regarding the History of the City of Funchal and its links to mainland Portugal. We had access to the council chamber and the rooms where the residents are able to meet their representatives. The history of the building and the art on display was explained by our guide. As the building is a working area for council employees you are given a visitors badge and limited access.
We were fortunate to be visiting at the same time a group of ladies in national costume were celebrating a Saints Day. We were invited to join the group for photographs and a drink of Madeira.
The finale is a visit to the tower with a 360 view of Funchal with the guide providing information on certain landmarks, we were again given a glass of Madeira wine.
The guides are volunteers linked to The University of Madeira. Our guide Renke was both informative and knowledgeable and answered questions on both the historical and political aspects of Madeira, her English was very good and the information was provided in an easy and humorous manner.
I would recommend this visit if you wish to gain a greater understanding of the history of Funchal.
We were fortunate to be visiting at the same time a group of ladies in national costume were celebrating a Saints Day. We were invited to join the group for photographs and a drink of Madeira.
The finale is a visit to the tower with a 360 view of Funchal with the guide providing information on certain landmarks, we were again given a glass of Madeira wine.
The guides are volunteers linked to The University of Madeira. Our guide Renke was both informative and knowledgeable and answered questions on both the historical and political aspects of Madeira, her English was very good and the information was provided in an easy and humorous manner.
I would recommend this visit if you wish to gain a greater understanding of the history of Funchal.
Written June 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell W
Bristol, UK47 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We decided to have a look at the very impressive town hall, itwas on 3.50 Euro's and was worth every penny. or is that cent ?
I thnik the tour guide was called Lisa and she was fantastic full of energy and offered suggestions of other places that were worth a visit. she spoke clearly and with a passion about the very interesting building it's history and a view of what has impacted the island . I would go and an hours flew by like it was minutes which is not something you would normally hear about a town hall .
I thnik the tour guide was called Lisa and she was fantastic full of energy and offered suggestions of other places that were worth a visit. she spoke clearly and with a passion about the very interesting building it's history and a view of what has impacted the island . I would go and an hours flew by like it was minutes which is not something you would normally hear about a town hall .
Written February 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit! We launched a new guided tour inside the building and we hope to see you next time!
Written April 10, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bertie65
London, UK101 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
There are guided tours of the Town Hall and the admission price is 3.50 Euros per adult and 2.50 for Seniors/Concessions. These tours in English are at certain times subject to there being no Council business. There are 4 rooms including the Council Chamber. The building dates from 1758 and was remodelled in 1940. It originally belonged to a Count and is one of the island's most handsome buildings. There is access to a Tower room offering views of Funchal and the sea/mountains - it's good for photos! The fountain and sculpture of Leda and the Swan in the interior garden dates from 1880 and came from the old Fish Market. This part of the Town Hall can be visited without going on the tour but we would recommend doing the tour as our guide was superb. The tiles are worth seeing along with pictures in the rooms of the Kings of Portugal. All in all a great visit and we were given bookmarks to remember our visit.
Written October 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit! We launched a new guided tour inside the building and we hope to see you next time!
Written April 10, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lovemadeira56
essex63 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
if you have an hour or so to kill you could do worst than take guided tour.we were the only ones on it and our guide Miguel was very knowledgeable and friendly. its only eur3.50 per person and at the end you get to sample different madeira wines.we would highly recommend it.
Written November 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElenaNicolScorpio
Fife, UK393 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
quick visit to this place is a must, the entrance is beautiful, the main close with the sculpture of Leda and the Swan is very sticking, and overall great example of madeira's own style
Entrance is free, and the people who work there are more than happy to help you and tell you about the history of the place
Entrance is free, and the people who work there are more than happy to help you and tell you about the history of the place
Written September 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanderingsAscent
Telford, UK251 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
We arrived just before 11am which is the tour time, the receptionist telephoned the college and a few minutes later our student guide arrived. A tour for just the two of us lasting an hour, the time flew by. A brief historical talk about the square and surrounding buildings and a tour of the hall. Well worth a visit. A reduced rate for pensioners, but the cost is only €3 full rate.
Written September 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve L
Nailsea, UK753 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
There is no doubt in my mind that a guided tour of this building is an absolute must for anyone visiting Funchal. Our guide Carlos - of the University student union - was both eloquent and knowledgeable. We spent an hour and a half for €3.50 touring the rooms, sitting in the chairs and viewing the sights from the tower. Brilliant!
Written June 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are happy to see that you enjoyed your visit :-) The Students' Union hopes to see you in your next visit to Madeira. See you soon!
Written June 24, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Otto_Hettie
Lake of Geneva152 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
This building was erected in the 17th century by D. Joana de Carvalhal. It became city hall in the end of the 19th century. This is a square-shaped building with an interior patio and Rococo design in the façade. In the interior, your attention should be drawn to the portraits of the last Kings of Portugal, an allegory to Funchal City Hall, Baroque furniture and the Municipal Assembly room.
Written February 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit! We launched a new guided tour inside the building and we hope to see you next time!
Written April 10, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have been to Funchal lots of times and not noticed the tours. Do you have to go inside and ask?
Written July 4, 2015
Hello! Yes, you just have to go inside the City Hall main entrance (in front of the College Square) and ask at the reception. We have the tours, from Monday to Friday, at 11:00. Hope to see you soon.
Written July 5, 2015
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