Funchal, Capital city in Madeira, Portugal
Funchal is the capital of Madeira in Portugal and spreads across a natural valley facing the Atlantic, while residential neighborhoods climb the surrounding mountain slopes up to 1200 meters elevation. The city organizes itself along several parallel roads that run from the harbor toward the old town and the higher districts.
Portuguese settlers founded the city in 1424 and named it after the wild fennel plants that covered the coastal area at the time. During the 15th century the settlement grew into the main trading center for sugar on the island.
The market hall welcomes visitors with displayed flowers, fruit and vegetables inside a 1940s structure, where local vendors offer their goods across two levels. Fresh fish lies on the ground floor, while the upper level is devoted entirely to produce from the island.
The cable car system connects the lower city to the Monte district in 15 minutes and offers views of the bay and mountains during the ride. Many streets climb steeply uphill, so comfortable shoes are recommended for walks through the different levels of the city.
Wicker toboggan rides, operated by carreiros in white clothing and straw hats, glide passengers down steep streets from Monte to Livramento. The toboggans slide on wooden runners greased with tallow and sometimes reach high speeds on the sloping lanes.
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