São Lourenço Palace Museum
Museum and Palace in Funchal (Madeira)
Strategically positioned for the defense of the island, São Lourenço Palace stands along Avenida Zarco in Funchal. Constructed in the 16th century by order of King Dom Manuel I and designated a National Monument in 1943, the palace now serves as a museum of significant historical and artistic interest.
Within the palace’s chambers, an extensive collection of Portuguese and European decorative artworks is on display, originating from the palace itself or transferred from national palaces spanning the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Visitors can also appreciate a diverse gallery of royal portraits, including the notable portrait of King João VI, painted by the 18th-century artist Joaquim Leonardo da Rocha, who was actively engaged in Madeira.
Exploring São Lourenço Palace is not only an encounter with artistic treasures but also a journey through history. In 1836, the museum underwent a division into two areas: the Palace, serving as the official residence for the Civil Governor to the west, and the Military Area allocated to the Command of the Madeira Military Zone to the east.
By 1976, the section formerly occupied by the Civil Governor became the Official Residence of the Representative of the Republic for the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The palace thus remains a site of historical and administrative significance, inviting visitors to delve into the rich heritage it holds.
The São Lourenço Palace Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Funchal (Madeira)!
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Visiting São Lourenço Palace Museum
Monday: 12:30 | Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 | Thursday: 10:00 and 12:30 | Friday: 15:00
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