This 17th-century Jesuit church and adjoining former college anchor Funchal's main square, its interior covered in gilded talha dourada woodwork and blue-and-white azulejo tile panels depicting the life of St. John. The former college cloisters now house part of the University of Madeira.
Colégio dos Jesuítas, the Church of St John the Evangelist, anchors Funchal's Praça do Município and was built by the Jesuit order in the 17th century as the centerpiece of a college complex that dominated education on the island for generations. The interior is densely covered in gilded talha dourada woodwork, ornate carved and gilt altarpieces typical of Portuguese Baroque churches, alongside blue-and-white azulejo tile panels illustrating scenes from the life of St. John the Evangelist. The adjoining former college, with its quiet stone cloisters, now houses part of the University of Madeira, and portions of the cloisters are open to visitors alongside the church itself. A visit covering both the church interior and the cloisters takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Weekday afternoons offer the fullest access, since the cloister areas connected to the university can have more limited opening depending on the academic schedule, while the church itself keeps consistent hours across the week.
| Admission | Adult €3 (~$3.24) · Child Free under 12 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10AM–12:30PM, 2PM–5:30PM Mon–Sat |
| Typical visit | 30–45 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons for full access to the cloister |
| Getting there | Walkable from central Funchal |
| Address | Praça do Município, 9000-089 Funchal, Madeira |
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Praça do Município, 9000-089 Funchal, Madeira
32.6483, -16.9095 View on map
Highlights
- Gilded talha dourada Baroque woodwork covering the church interior
- Azulejo tile panels depicting the life of St. John the Evangelist
- Historic Jesuit college cloisters now part of the University of Madeira
- 17th-century church anchoring Funchal's central Praça do Município
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday afternoon for the fullest access to both the church and the college cloisters
- Look closely at the gilded altarpieces, among the most elaborate examples of Baroque woodwork on the island
- Combine the visit with a walk around the surrounding Praça do Município square
- Dress respectfully, as it remains a functioning church
- Check for reduced access to the cloisters during university exam periods
When to visit
Weekday afternoons offer the best combined access to the church and the university cloisters.
Accessibility
The church has a level entrance from the square, but the adjoining cloisters include some steps and uneven historic flooring that can limit wheelchair access.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Colégio dos Jesuítas take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes seeing both the church interior and the adjoining cloisters.
Is it worth it for kids?
It can be a brief, interesting stop for children curious about architecture, though the appeal is primarily historical and artistic.
Is photography allowed inside the church?
Photography is generally allowed inside the church without flash, though visitors should check current signage, as rules can vary.