Chaple of Corpo Santo

Step aside, modern architecture! The Chapel of Corpo Santo in Funchal has been rocking that holy aesthetic since the late 15th century. Built by local fishermen to honor their patron saint, Saint Peter Gonçalves Telmo (a.k.a. the go-to guy for ocean-related miracles), this chapel has seen centuries of storms, shipwrecks, and sacred vibes.

Back in the day, it wasn't just for prayer—this place was the original support center for fishers and their families, offering help after accidents or illness. Think of it as a divine version of a union hall!

Inside, expect an old-school mashup of 16th and 17th-century renovations, with a highlight being a painted panel of Saint Telmo blessing a Manueline caravel. Maritime nerds, this might just be the oldest image of a Madeira boat you’ll ever see.

And here’s the cherry on top: it’s smack dab in Funchal’s Old Town, just a few flipper-flaps from the food-heaven that is Rua de Santa Maria. Culture, carbs, and centuries of sea-loving spirit? Count us in.