Rua D. Carlos I
Rua D. Carlos, Is positioned at the intersection of Rua Artur de Sousa “Pinga” with Rua Casa da Luz and runs parallel to Rua de Santa Maria, but with less length.
Like many streets of our city, it has suffered, throughout time, changes in its toponymy. It was also known as Praça Académica (Academic Square) or even “Campo Choulon”, because of the military training that took place here and also because it was the place where the Madeiran football teams started their sports practice when neither the Estádio dos Barreiros nor the Liceu does Funchal field existed. It was named after D. Carlos I because all the area around this street was named after the penultimate King of Portugal.
The Almirante Reis Field, built-in 1901, was located where today we have the Jardim Almirante Reis (Almirante Reis Garden), which occupies the entire southern margin of the street, with a large lawn, recreational areas and a wide Skateboarding Track, which delights kids and adults, lovers of this sport.
In the heart of the Old Town, a place of high demand and one of the most charismatic areas of the city is located the Cable Car that makes a direct connection to the Parish of Monte, in a unique and memorable scenario. This route was designed to recover the tourist role of the Monte Train, which existed in Funchal from 1887-1943.
Another area of great cultural value is the Madeira Story Centre, an interactive museum, which recounts the history and culture of the region, from the discovery of the island to the seaplanes that once landed in our sea. It is an unforgettable experience, for any age, in a space that includes a Handicraft Shop and a restaurant on the terrace, with a privileged view of the surrounding streets.
And while we are here, we cannot miss the Fortaleza de São Tiago, located a few metres away and after passing by the Corpo Santo Chapel, it is a space of military architecture, built at the beginning of the 17th century to defend the port of Funchal and which is currently classified as a “Monument of Regional Interest”. Moreover, on your way, do not miss the Botas de Vilão (Madeiran Boots) Shop, which you will find on your right-hand side, where the typical boots are an integral and indispensable part of Madeiran Traditional Costume are produced.
The Hotel Porto Santa Maria fills the south margin, from the end of this street D. Carlos I and in its south façade, it is possible to walk along the promenade by the sea.
It is a street where a variety of gastronomic offers, bars and the headquarters of Marítimo Football Club predominate.
