Church of Matriz de São Bento

The Legendary Church of São Bento – Ribeira Brava’s Crown Jewel

Right in the beating heart of Ribeira Brava stands a church so old and fabulous, it’s basically Madeira’s religious celebrity. We’re talking about the Church of São Bento—a holy hotspot, cultural heavyweight, and an absolute must-see if you're exploring the island’s west side.

This beauty started out in the 15th century as a humble little chapel, but clearly it had glow-up dreams. By the 16th century, it blossomed into a full-blown church and got a few facelifts along the way. Now it’s rocking a stylish mix of Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque vibes. Basically, it’s the architectural equivalent of a time-traveling influencer.

Inside? Oh, honey—prepare to be dazzled. There’s gold leaf, silver treasures, Renaissance bling, and wooden sculptures so detailed they probably took centuries of staring to carve. One of the stars? A stunning Virgin Mary statue straight from Flanders, dated 1520. Throw in some biblical panels and jaw-dropping chandeliers and you’ve got yourself a holy museum.

Oh, and that bell tower? Covered in blue tiles and crowned with the royal bling of King Manuel I. Because obviously, no fancy church is complete without a little royal sparkle.

Even outside, the church has stories to tell—like the one about the local priest who threw a cross into the stormy sea in the 1940s to save the town. Spoiler alert: it worked!

Whether you're into divine art, epic history, or just need a cool Instagram backdrop, São Bento Church has got your back (and your soul).