Funchal

The city of Funchal was discovered by explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira in 1424. These Portuguese sailors arrived on the island of Madeira, which had been known to the ancient Romans but was not settled until the 15th century. They named it 'Funchal' because of the abundance of fennel (funcho) in the area. The discovery marked the beginning of the permanent settlement and development of the island.

On August 21, 1508, Funchal was elevated to city status by King Manuel I of Portugal. This significant event recognized the city's growing importance as a trade and administrative center on the island of Madeira. As a city, Funchal played a key role in the sugar trade during the 16th century, becoming a prosperous hub in the Atlantic.

In October 1566, Funchal was attacked and sacked by a group of French pirates led by Bertrand de Montluc, the brother of Blaise de Montluc. They looted the city for fifteen days, taking riches accumulated from Madeira's sugar industry. This attack highlighted the vulnerability of Funchal and the importance of defending Atlantic trade routes from piracy during the Age of Exploration.

The Great Funchal Flood took place on March 9, 1803, causing dramatic devastation in the city. Heavy rains led to catastrophic flooding that destroyed many buildings and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of residents. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Madeira's history, profoundly impacting the local community and leading to significant rebuilding efforts.

On January 20, 1804, Funchal was declared a free port, which significantly impacted its economic development. This status allowed for more relaxed customs regulations, encouraging growth in trade and commerce. The decision helped Funchal to establish itself as an important trading hub in the Atlantic, facilitating the exchange of goods, particularly wine, between Europe and the Americas.

On October 5, 1910, the republican revolution overthrow the monarchy in Portugal, leading to the establishment of the Portuguese Republic. Funchal, being part of Portugal, was affected by this significant political change. The revolution marked the end of the Kingdom of Portugal, influencing political and social life in Madeira and its capital city, Funchal.

The establishment of the Diocese of Funchal in June 1919 marked an important development for the religious administration in the region. It elevated Funchal as a central ecclesiastical authority, serving the spiritual needs of both Madeira and the Portuguese communities within the Atlantic islands, reflecting its continued importance in the religious landscape of Portugal.

The Madeira Revolt of 1931 was an unsuccessful attempt by local military officers to declare Madeira independent from Portugal amidst dissatisfaction with the government's policies. Though it was quickly suppressed, the revolt represented significant local unrest and tensions between Madeira and the Portuguese central authorities in the early 20th century.

The establishment of the Autonomous Region of Madeira on October 1, 1981, marked a significant political development for Funchal and the island of Madeira. This development granted Madeira political autonomy from the Portuguese government, allowing it to create its own laws and regulations in areas of regional significance, while still remaining part of the Republic of Portugal.

On February 20, 2010, a series of severe floods and mudslides hit the Madeira archipelago, including its capital, Funchal. The natural disaster caused widespread destruction, resulting in 42 deaths and leaving over 100 people injured. Extensive damage to infrastructure and homes occurred, prompting emergency responses and subsequent recovery efforts to rebuild the city.

In August 2016, devastating wildfires swept through Madeira, severely impacting Funchal. The fires forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists, destroyed homes, and led to the death of three people. The wildfires underscored the vulnerability of the island to natural disasters and prompted discussions on improving emergency preparedness and response.

In July 2017, Funchal was designated as 'Europe’s Leading Island Destination' at the World Travel Awards. This recognition highlighted Funchal’s attractive tourism offerings, from its natural beauty to cultural heritage, and its capacity to provide unique experiences to visitors, reinforcing its reputation as a premier travel destination in Europe.