Funchal Statues Guide ⋆ Lifeguin

Funchal Statues: Iconic and Hidden Sculptures

As we started our waddle around Funchal, after a while, our attention was caught by all the different statues we encountered in our exploration of the city. The more we waddled, the more interesting the statues became, and in this post, we are mentioning the ones you should be aware of while exploring the capital of Madeira. So put on your waddle shoes, and let’s explore.

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12 Statues In Funchal You Should Not Miss
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13 Statues In Funchal You Should Not Miss

Sometimes, when you waddle through a city, it gives you more than you bargained for. That was the case with Funchal and its statues. From grand monuments to quirky hidden figures, the city is full of surprises. Here are the ones we liked the most, but there are many more scattered around Funchal (and to put it in perspective, the city has dozens of statues waiting to be discovered!).

Statue of Austrian Empress Sissi

The Statue of Austrian Empress Sissi is a life-size bronze tribute created by sculptor Lagoa Henriques and installed in 2000 in the gardens of the Pestana Casino Park in Funchal. This elegant figure celebrates Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi, who visited Madeira for her health back in the 1860s and again in the 1890s, leaving a lasting mark on the island’s history and charm.

Cristiano Ronaldo Statue

The Cristiano Ronaldo Statue was created by contemporary sculptor Ricardo Velosa in 2014 as a tribute to Madeira’s most famous footballer. Standing proudly in front of the CR7 Museum in Funchal, the statue celebrates Ronaldo’s incredible career, from his early days on the island to becoming a multiple-time World Player of the Year and one of football’s biggest global icons. For fans visiting Funchal, it’s a must-see spot, perfect for photos and soaking up a bit of local pride.

The CR7 Museum in Funchal

Monument to the Madeiran Businessman

The Monument to the Madeiran Businessman was unveiled in 2001, crafted by sculptor Martim Velosa. It honors the resilience and vision of Madeira’s business community, which has thrived through centuries of economic change, adapting and shaping the island’s growth over the past 500 years. Located in a prominent spot in Funchal, the statue celebrates entrepreneurship and the lasting impact of local commerce on Madeira’s culture and development.

Football Player Statue

The Football Player Statue in the Jardim do Campo Almirante Reis is more than just a piece of public art, it’s a tribute to the early days of football in Funchal. Created by sculptor Martim Velosa and installed in 2005, the bronze figure honors the many local players who once kicked a ball on one of the city’s first football fields, which used to stand right where the garden is today. Back in the early 20th century, this spot, known as Campo do Almirante Reis was the original home ground for clubs like CS Marítimo before they moved on to larger stadiums.

Statue of João Gonçalves Zarco

The Statue of João Gonçalves Zarco honors one of the most important figures in Madeira’s history, the Portuguese explorer who helped put the islands on the map. Born around 1390, Zarco was sent by Prince Henry the Navigator to explore the Atlantic and went on to recognize and help settle Madeira, later founding the city of Funchal and becoming its first Captain‑Donatary under Portuguese rule. The bronze statue you see today was created by sculptor Francisco Franco starting in 1927 and unveiled in 1934 at the intersection of Avenida Arriaga and Avenida Zarco in downtown Funchal.

Christopher Columbus Monument

The Christopher Columbus Monument in Parque de Santa Catarina celebrates the time the famous navigator spent in Madeira and his role in the Age of Discoveries. Although the sculpture was designed by Portuguese sculptor Henrique Moreira as early as 1940, it wasn’t officially unveiled in the park until 1968. The statue depicts Columbus seated with a sword at his side, symbolizing both his maritime leadership and his role in opening new worlds to European exploration. Columbus stopped in Madeira multiple times during his voyages — notably in 1475, 1480, and again in 1492 — and lived in the region as he developed his nautical skills and prepared for his historic westward journeys.

Rotunda do Infante Fountain

The Rotunda do Infante Fountain is an elegant sculpture ensemble located in front of the Infante D. Henrique statue in Funchal. Built in 1945 during the city remodeling works overseen by President Dr. Fernão de Ornelas, the fountain was designed by architect Faria da Costa and brought to life by sculptor António Duarte. Its flowing water and sculpted elements celebrate Madeira’s maritime heritage and the city’s continuous development during the mid-20th century, making it both a historical landmark and a charming spot for visitors to pause and enjoy the surroundings.

Monumento ao Emigrante Madeirense

The Monumento do Emigrante Madeirense is a striking landmark along Funchal’s Avenida do Mare das Comunidades, celebrating the courage and resilience of Madeiran emigrants. The statue depicts a man kneeling, holding a sphere above his head, symbolizing the weight of the world carried by those who left the island in search of new opportunities. This powerful monument serves as a tribute to the generations of Madeirans who shaped communities abroad while maintaining strong ties to their homeland.

Plastic Grouper

In 2018, the regional government organized a clean-up campaign on Madeira Island, during which locals, mainly fishermen, collected thousands of pounds of garbage from the waters. Portuguese street artist Artur Bordalo, also known as Bordalo II, recycled a small portion of the plastic waste to create a bright-colored sculpture called “Plastic Mero.” The sculpture symbolizes the negative impact of overconsumption and highlights the importance of recycling and reducing waste.

Nelson Mandela Memorial

The Nelson Mandela Memorial in Funchal was inaugurated on July 26, 2018, marking what would have been Mandela’s 100th birthday. This contemporary monument stands out in the park for its vibrant, colorful design and modern artistic style, celebrating Mandela’s legacy of freedom, equality, and justice.

Its bright hues and thoughtful composition interact beautifully with natural light, making mornings a particularly photogenic time to visit. Beyond its visual appeal, the memorial invites reflection on Mandela’s global impact. It serves as a symbol of solidarity and hope, adding a contemporary cultural highlight to Funchal’s rich tapestry of public art.

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Henry the Navigator Statue

The Henry the Navigator Statue stands near Funchal’s waterfront, honoring one of Portugal’s most iconic figures from the Age of Discovery. As a prince and patron of early maritime exploration, Henry the Navigator played a key role in advancing oceanic navigation, mapping uncharted waters, and establishing trade routes that shaped the course of European history. This elegant monument captures his vision and determination, with details that reflect his enduring influence on Madeira and Portugal’s maritime heritage.

Simón Bolívar Bust

The Simón Bolívar bust in Funchal’s Jardim Municipal was inaugurated on August 12, 1980, honoring the Venezuelan military leader and revolutionary who played a central role in the independence of several Latin American countries. Though smaller than some of the other statues on this list, its presence in the city center reflects Madeira’s cultural connections with communities from across the Atlantic. The bronze sculpture offers a quiet moment of reflection amid the garden’s greenery and historic surroundings, a reminder of Bolívar’s legacy as El Libertador and his impact on the modern world.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Funchal, make sure to see the various statues scattered across the city. Wander through Funchal’s streets, where every statue tells a story waiting to be heard.

Pack your bags, and waddle around Funchal!

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