Monuments
Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market)
This market is well worth a visit. It is a point of reference in the life and architecture of Funchal.
The farmers’ market is a perfect example of Estado Novo architecture, which is somewhere between modernism and 1930s art deco. It has two tile panels from the Faience Battistini factory, of Maria de Portugal, painted with regional themes by João Rodrigues.
At the market, which is very near the old Santa Maria neighborhood, the atmosphere is bustling as you would expect from any market. But this one is ablaze with colours and redolent with the intoxicating perfume of beautiful flowers. Birds of paradise, orchids, king proteas, roses, cattleyas and camellias are displayed and sold by the sprightly flower sellers wearing brightly coloured regional costumes.
On the upper floor there are tropical fruits, vegetables and spices, while meat and fish are on sale on the ground and lower floors.
The farmers’ market is a perfect example of Estado Novo architecture, which is somewhere between modernism and 1930s art deco. It has two tile panels from the Faience Battistini factory, of Maria de Portugal, painted with regional themes by João Rodrigues.
At the market, which is very near the old Santa Maria neighborhood, the atmosphere is bustling as you would expect from any market. But this one is ablaze with colours and redolent with the intoxicating perfume of beautiful flowers. Birds of paradise, orchids, king proteas, roses, cattleyas and camellias are displayed and sold by the sprightly flower sellers wearing brightly coloured regional costumes.
On the upper floor there are tropical fruits, vegetables and spices, while meat and fish are on sale on the ground and lower floors.