Jewish Cemetery of Funchal, Jewish cemetery in Santa Maria Maior, Portugal.
The Jewish Cemetery of Funchal is a burial ground for the island's Jewish community spread across a compact space with approximately 380 graves. The gravestones display various styles and inscriptions reflecting the diversity of communities buried here.
The burial ground was established in 1851 when the Jewish community needed a permanent place for its burial practices. Over the decades the community grew, particularly during World War II when refugees from other regions sought shelter in Madeira.
The cemetery reflects the presence of Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities whose names appear on gravestones in multiple languages. These inscriptions tell the story of families who settled in Madeira and maintained their religious traditions.
The site is reachable on foot from the old town and sits in a quiet, well-maintained area. It is wise to gather information beforehand since access may sometimes be restricted or guided visits may be required.
The cemetery displays graves spanning nearly 130 years of history with the oldest gravestones dating back to the founding period. This continuity makes the site a rare testament to the long presence of the Jewish community on the island.
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