Funchal's Funky Doors

After our cable ride up to Monte, we decided that while we were in Funchal, we would do a little exploring. We walked down a narrow street called Rua de Santa Maria. It’s not wide enough for cars and, even if it was, tables and chairs from the many restaurants and cafes were taking up most of the space. This road is in the old part of the city, not far from the water’s edge and it was filling up with tourists from the cruise ship that was in the harbour.

What is cool about this street is that in an effort to revitalise the area, the local council organized an art project in the street that involves the doors of the old buildings.

About 200 doors of houses, restaurants, businesses, galleries, were handed over to artists and designers who were asked to ‘do something with them’. The idea was to create a piece of work that invites people in to something deeper. And it works!

We think that it changed a potentially gloomy street into a colourful art gallery that motivated lots of conversation with fellow travellers and shopkeepers, as well. Loved it.Read more