Capela do Corpo Santo, Funchal (Madeira)

Church in Funchal (Madeira)

Capela do Corpo Santo, Funchal, Portugal

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vitor Oliveira

The Capela do Corpo Santo is one of the oldest and most atmospheric religious buildings in Funchal, standing at the edge of the old fishing village in the Zona Velha. Dating back to the 15th century and dedicated to Saint Pedro Gonçalves Telmo, patron saint of fishermen, the chapel blends Gothic origins with later Manueline details and richly decorated interiors. With its deep ties to local maritime life, it is one of the best places to visit in Funchal for travellers interested in history, art, and seafaring traditions.

Its gilded altars, 16th- and 17th-century paintings, Manueline sculptures, and preserved Gothic doorway make it architecturally fascinating, while its role as a centre of charity adds touching cultural depth. The chapel is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Funchal, especially when exploring the colourful streets of the Old Town.

History and Significance of Capela do Corpo Santo
Things to See and Do in Capela do Corpo Santo
How to Get to Capela do Corpo Santo
Practical Tips on Visiting Capela do Corpo Santo
Where to Stay close to Capela do Corpo Santo
Is Capela do Corpo Santo Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Capela do Corpo Santo
Nearby Attractions to Capela do Corpo Santo

History and Significance of Capela do Corpo Santo

The chapel was built in the 15th century at the edge of the former fishing community, serving as both a place of worship and a humanitarian refuge. Dedicated to Saint Pedro Gonçalves Telmo-known locally as “Corpo Santo”-the chapel became the heart of a confraternity that provided essential care to fishermen and their families. It functioned as an infirmary, offered food and financial support, and helped widows at a time when maritime life was dangerous and unpredictable.

Architecturally, the chapel preserves several original Gothic features, including its pointed doorway and gabled façade. In the 16th century, significant changes were made, including the remodelling of the main altar and the addition of window slits. Inside, visitors will find ceiling paintings, Manueline carvings, and aisle altar paintings attributed to royal painter Fernão Gomes, dating from the 1500s. The main altar works, marked 1615 and 1616, likely came from another workshop and reflect a different artistic influence.

Today, the chapel stands as one of Madeira’s most authentic links to its fishing heritage and early devotional traditions.

Things to See and Do in Capela do Corpo Santo

The interior of the chapel is its greatest attraction. Visitors can admire the gilded woodcarving, intricate altarpieces, and colourful ceiling paintings that transport you back to Madeira’s early centuries. The Manueline-style details provide excellent examples of the decorative techniques used in Portugal during the Age of Discoveries.

The aisle altars feature remarkable paintings attributed to Fernão Gomes, one of Portugal’s royal painters in the 16th century. These works depict religious scenes and saints closely linked to maritime life. In contrast, the main altar paintings dated 1615 and 1616 are believed to come from another workshop, offering stylistic diversity within the space.

The chapel’s location in Zona Velha makes it easy to combine with visits to nearby attractions, including the Fortaleza de São Tiago, the art-painted doors of Old Town, and Funchal’s seafront.

How to Get to Capela do Corpo Santo

Capela do Corpo Santo is located in the Zona Velha (Old Town) of Funchal, near the waterfront and several major cultural sites. The nearest airport is Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, about 20 minutes away by road. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Funchal (Madeira) on Booking.com.

Local buses serve the Old Town area frequently, and taxis or ride-hailing services can take visitors directly to the chapel’s vicinity.

For visitors arriving by rental car, parking is available in public garages in the Old Town, followed by a short walk through the historic streets. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Capela do Corpo Santo

Suggested tips: Visit early to appreciate the interior art without crowds.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for quieter moments.
Entrance fee in Euros: Often free or a small voluntary donation.
Opening hours: Hours can vary; check locally for current times.
Official website: Not applicable.
How long to spend: 20-40 minutes.
Accessibility: Some steps and narrow areas typical of a historic chapel.
Facilities: Limited; cafés and amenities are nearby.
Photography tip: Capture the contrast between the Gothic doorway and the vibrant Old Town surroundings.
Guided tours: Sometimes included in local walking tours of Zona Velha.
Nearby food options: Excellent restaurants and seafood spots in the Old Town.

Where to Stay close to Capela do Corpo Santo

The Old Town and nearby waterfront offer several appealing accommodation options. For a comfortable stay close to cultural sites, consider Porto Santa Maria Hotel. For boutique charm nearby, Sé Boutique Hotel is an excellent choice. Those looking for a modern seafront experience may prefer Pestana CR7 Funchal.

Is Capela do Corpo Santo Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Capela do Corpo Santo is a small but deeply atmospheric chapel that offers insight into Madeira's maritime past and religious traditions. Its exquisite artwork, historic significance, and location in the Old Town make it a rewarding stop for travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (76)

Capela do Corpo Santo sits in Funchal's old town on Largo do Corpo Santo; modest from the outside, this small 15th‑century fishermen's chapel surprises visitors inside with painted ceilings, gilded carved‑wood altars and Manueline‑style sculptures. Visitors call it a charming, compact church and a good photo spot, though several note it is very small and can often be closed when you pass by.

Eleonora Panciroli

2 months ago

"Small delicious church in the middle of the old town :)"

Berglas71

3 years ago

"Nice photo opportunity of a historic church in Funchal. It was shut when we walked by in November."

שאול גינזבורג [email protected]

2 years ago

"This small Capela is located a couple of hundred meters from Santa Maria church, in the Old Town area of Funchal. Built in the 15th Cent. It isdedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, Saint Pedro Gonçalves Telmo, the "Corpo Santo". It served as an infirmary for local fishermen and their families, providing humanitarian aid, loaning money and helping the membership's widows. It is simple, humble on the outside, but inside - it surprises you with beautiful ceiling paintings, gilded carved wood altars, and sculptures in the Manueline style. Don't miss it !!..."

See More See Less

FAQs for Visiting Capela do Corpo Santo

Yes, it continues to serve as a place of devotion and cultural heritage.

Entry is often free, though donations are welcome.

It dates back to the 15th century, with major renovations in the 16th century.

Yes, many pieces are original, including 16th-century works by Fernão Gomes.

Usually yes, but flash may be restricted to protect the artworks.

Nearby Attractions to Capela do Corpo Santo

Fortaleza de São Tiago: A 17th-century seafront fortress with panoramic views.
Zona Velha Painted Doors: A vibrant open-air art gallery across Old Town streets.
Madeira Story Centre: An interactive experience exploring Madeira's history.
Mercado dos Lavradores: A lively market showcasing regional produce.
Funchal Cable Car: A scenic 15-minute ride from the Old Town to Monte.

The Capela do Corpo Santo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Funchal (Madeira)!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!