Largo dos Varadouros
City Gate in Funchal (Madeira)
The Varadouros Gate formed an integral part of the fortifications encircling the city. Among the city’s five gates, it was a crucial entry point leading to the boat landing at the former Praia do Calhau, now replaced by the present-day Avenida do Mar. Behind this gate lies Largo dos Varadouros, which served as the primary shopping hub in the 17th and 18th centuries.
However, the current gate is a faithful replica of the original gate constructed in 1689. Both the gate and sections of the city wall were unfortunately demolished in 1911 during urban development projects aimed at accommodating the then-modern automobile.
The reconstruction process involved meticulous historical research, ensuring adherence to the original architectural design. The portico was reconstructed using reinforced concrete and adorned with local stonework cladding, preserving its original adornments. Notably, artefacts like the Crown, Royal Arms, and tombstone were safeguarded and are now housed at the Quinta das Cruzes Museum.
The Largo dos Varadouros appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Funchal (Madeira)!
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Visiting Largo dos Varadouros
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