Calçada de Santa Clara
Characterised by being one of the steepest streets in Funchal, this climb is visibly rewarding for the heritage we find here.
The Convent of Santa Clara allowed the creation of this pavement or, at least, made it possible to widen it, ceasing to be a narrow passage between the walls of the convent and the vegetable gardens, and transforming it into a path for pedestrians and cars. It was the very existence of this Convent that gave rise to the name of this Calçada.
As soon as you start down this path and after passing São Pedro Church, you will find, on your left, the Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas, which displays numerous collections of the Madeiran lawyer and collector Dr Frederico de Freitas.
Up the street, but at a short distance away, you will find the Church and Convent of Santa Clara, built at the end of the 16th century to house the daughters of the local nobility. It is a valuable heritage, not only for its history but also for its collection, where several wings are open to the public at designated times.
Taking advantage of the approach to Calçada do Pico, it is possible to visit the Universo de Memórias de João Carlos Abreu (João Carlos Abreu Universe of Memories), an interesting civic centre, which includes a library, an auditorium and a pleasant Tea House.
Finally, and on the other side of the street, we come across the Quinta das Cruzes Museum, the last residence of the discoverer João Gonçalves Zarco, which besides having a lovely garden, has a museum with several collections and a pleasant and modern Cafeteria/Restaurant.
