Portugal, Funchal

Funchal (population approximately 140,000), is the capital of the Madeira Islands of Portugal. Funchal is also the largest city on the islands. It was founded by João Gonçalves Zarco in 1421 and was elevated to city by King Manuel I in 1508.

Today Funchal is a modern city, located in a unique area; the natural geological features form an "amphitheatre" surrounding the city, which begins at the harbour and rises almost 1200 metres high on gentle slopes. This provides a natural shelter and was what attracted the first settlers.

Madeira's capital for more than five centuries, Funchal is said to have been named as such because of the abundance of fennel (funcho- in portuguese) that was growing there.

History

In the early 1400s, Álvaro Fernandes was the commander of Funchal.

In the 16th century Funchal was important as a stopping place between the Indies and the New World, and was known as a wealthy place. It was also the port for Madeiran sugar and wine.

Some Navy ships including USS Arkansas, USS Chicago, USS John Hancock, USS Salem, CSS Shenandoah, USS Shenandoah, USS Yorktown visited the port.

Funchal hosted the Funchal Island Tournament in 1981 with Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama of the Brazilian League.

Famous people

Cristiano Ronaldo, Football Player of Manchester United
José Vicente Barbosa (May 2, 1823 - November 3, 1907) Zoologist
Artur de Sousa Pinga, Legendary Portuguese football player
Alberto João Jardim, President of the Regional Government of Madeira
Cabral do Nascimento, Poet
João Fernandes Vieira, Military
Fátima Lopes, Fashion Designer
Mark Athias, Investigator and Reformer
Henrique Franco, Painter