Painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal, Madeira

 Painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal, Madeira




Rua de Santa Maria is one of the oldest streets in Funchal that dates back to the mid-1400s when the yellow Fortress of Sao Tiago, built to combat marauding pirates, was the centre of town. Alas, the pirates are long gone but the street has a very artsy feel to it.


The area called Zona velha, or old town, now boasts a vibrant cobbled street connecting the charming old Fortress of Sao Tiago to the imposing Church of Santa Mary the Great or Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria Maior.


In 2014, the city council launched the brilliantly named  “Art of Open Doors” project with the idea of turning it into a public art space! 














A call was sent out to local artists who were invited to ‘move in’ and let their imaginations run riot as they painted over two hundred of the street’s doors.


The idea was to create a vibrant piece of art that encouraged people walking by to stop and think, and in doing so to better experience their surroundings.


There are now well over 200 painted doors that grace the trendy spot which is now lined with restaurants, cafes and a few art galleries.


I thoroughly enjoyed my walk and I hope that the few pictures I shared capture the unique ethos of this place.


References

  1. Victoria. (2024, April 26). The Painted Doors of Rua de Santa Maria, Funchal. The Girl on the Move. Retrieved May 12, 2024, from https://www.thegirlonthemove.com/painted-doors-rua-de-santa-maria/

Location: Rua de Santa Maria, 9060-291 Funchal, Portugal

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