Funchal Customs House, Funchal (Madeira)

Historic Building in Funchal (Madeira)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Paulo SP/ Wikimedia

The Funchal Customs House stands as one of the must-see places in Funchal for anyone curious about the island's maritime past and the role trade played in shaping Madeira's fortunes. Built during a period of major urban expansion that followed the construction of the Town Hall and the Cathedral, it became a key administrative centre for goods arriving from across the Atlantic and beyond. Its elegant structure reflects the city's early prosperity and its position as a crossroads of trade routes.

Today, the Customs House is often visited on walking tours of Funchal thanks to its central location, historic architecture, and the intriguing layers of change it has undergone through centuries of expansion, fortification, and restoration. Even in its quieter corners, you can sense the weight of centuries of commerce, governance, and reconstruction following natural disasters like the Madeira earthquake of 1748.

History and Significance of Funchal Customs House
Things to See and Do in Funchal Customs House
How to Get to Funchal Customs House
Practical Tips on Visiting Funchal Customs House
Where to Stay close to Funchal Customs House
Is Funchal Customs House Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Funchal Customs House
Nearby Attractions to Funchal Customs House

History and Significance of Funchal Customs House

Construction of the New Funchal Customs House began in the early 16th century and was completed in 1519. It was considered “new” because it replaced an older customs facility whose responsibilities shifted to the upgraded building. Positioned near Funchal's harbour, it became integral to the administration of Madeira's booming trade economy, especially during the height of sugar production and later during the wine trade era.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the building underwent several modifications. A small fortification was added to protect the customs facilities, reflecting growing concerns over piracy and the security of the island’s valuable goods. Although most of this defensive structure no longer stands, visitors can still see the original portal, now located in a nearby garden, as well as the Chapel of Santo António da Mouraria, which remains as a quiet witness to the Customs House’s fortified past.

The earthquake of 1748 caused severe damage to the building, prompting a full reconstruction effort. This renovation reshaped the Customs House into its later form, and in the centuries that followed, expansions and adjustments continued as administrative needs evolved. These layers of change give the building a unique character, blending its Renaissance origins with later architectural influences.

Things to See and Do in Funchal Customs House

A visit to the Customs House offers the chance to admire centuries of architectural evolution. Its façade and interior spaces reveal the formal design typical of important civic buildings in the 16th century, while later additions hint at shifts in style and function. Walking through the area, you can still find the relocated portal of the 17th-century fortification in the adjacent garden-an evocative relic that helps illustrate how the customs complex once appeared.

The Chapel of Santo António da Mouraria is another highlight, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets around it. Exploring the surrounding area also allows you to understand the Customs House in the context of Funchal’s colonial-era urban development. With the cathedral, town hall, and waterfront nearby, it’s easy to envision how officials, merchants, and sailors once flowed through these streets to conduct business.

How to Get to Funchal Customs House

The Funchal Customs House is located in the historic centre of Funchal, close to the marina and major pedestrian routes. The nearest airport is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, located about 20 minutes away by car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Funchal (Madeira) on Booking.com.

Those arriving by car will find several car parks around Avenida do Mar and nearby streets, making it convenient to explore the area on foot. 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 Funchal Customs House

Suggested tips: Combine your visit with nearby heritage sites like the cathedral and town hall for a deeper understanding of Funchal’s development.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light.
Entrance fee in Euros: Public access varies; check locally if interior visits are available.
Opening hours: Dependent on current use and access policies.
Official website: Information available through Funchal municipal or tourism sites.
How long to spend: 20-40 minutes, or longer if exploring the surrounding historic district.
Accessibility: Generally good, though some areas nearby have uneven cobblestones.
Facilities: Shops, cafés, museums, and public services available in the surrounding streets.
Photography tip: Capture the Customs House with the cathedral tower rising behind for a classic Funchal composition.
Guided tours: Often included in local walking tours; check with tour companies.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants around the old town and marina.

Where to Stay close to Funchal Customs House

Staying near the historic centre gives you easy access to the Customs House and many other cultural landmarks. For a boutique experience, Sé Boutique Hotel offers stylish rooms steps from the cathedral. A more contemporary stay awaits at The Vine Hotel, known for its sleek design and rooftop terrace. Another excellent choice is Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, which blends modern comfort with historic character.

Is Funchal Customs House Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Funchal Customs House is well worth visiting, especially for travellers who appreciate historic buildings and the stories that shaped Madeira's rise as a trading hub. Its centuries-old architecture, surviving fortification elements, and connections to citywide development make it a rewarding stop in Funchal's atmospheric old town.

FAQs for Visiting Funchal Customs House

Can you go inside the Funchal Customs House?
Interior access depends on current use and municipal policies, so visitors should check locally for the latest information.

Is the fortification still visible?
Only remnants survive, including the original portal now placed in a nearby garden and the Chapel of Santo António da Mouraria.

Is it free to visit?
Viewing the exterior and surrounding area is free.

How long should I spend here?
Around 20-40 minutes is enough to appreciate the building and explore the nearby historic streets.

Is it close to other attractions?
Yes, it is centrally located near the cathedral, marina, and several museums.

Nearby Attractions to Funchal Customs House

Funchal Cathedral - A prominent Gothic-Manueline landmark in the heart of the city.
Town Hall Square - A historic civic space framed by elegant 18th-century architecture.
Avenida do Mar - Funchal’s scenic waterfront promenade with ocean views.
Museu A Cidade do Açúcar - A museum dedicated to the island’s early sugar trade and urban origins.
Madeira Story Centre - An engaging museum tracing the island's history from discovery to modern day.

The Funchal Customs House appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Funchal (Madeira)!

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