Parish Church of Caniço

From Swamp to Sanctuary – The Wild History of Caniço!

Discover the history of Caniço, its 18th-century parish church, early settlers like the Ornelas and Salvagos from Genoa, and its role as a border between the Captaincies of Funchal and Machico. Visit Santa Cruz, explore Ponta da Oliveira, and learn about Father José Lomelino Barreto.

Caniço

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Who knew that a patch of reeds would turn into one of Madeira’s OG parishes? Back in 1438(ish), when knights wore tights and pineapples were exotic, Caniço popped up on the island map. The name? A funky twist on a plant called “carriço.” Early settlers were a cool crowd: Ornelas, Gaviões, Salvagos from Genoa (ciao!), and more.

Caniço even played border patrol—its stream split the mighty captaincies of Funchal and Machico. That olive stick at Ponta da Oliveira? It wasn’t random; it was an official tree-stake from mainland Portugal. Serious stuff.

Up until 1835, Caniço was Funchal’s baby, then Santa Cruz adopted it like a long-lost cousin (just 8km away, btw). Back in the day, there were two rival churches: one repping St. Anthony, the other the Holy Spirit—sharing the same priest. Plot twist: both crumbled. Enter Father José Lomelino Barreto, the hero with land to spare. Thanks to him, the current church rose in glory. First stone? Blessed on 2 August 1779. Full-on holy grand opening? 28 October 1783.

And yes, there’s even a Latin plaque on the front saying something like: “Built in honor of the Holy Spirit and Saint Anthony, by the royal court and Queen Maria I of Portugal. Year 1780, year four of her reign.”

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How’s that for some holy real estate drama?

Monday: 9:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 17:30
Tuesday: 9:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 17:30
Wednesday: 9:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 17:30
Thursday: 9:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 17:30
Friday: 9:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 17:30
Saturday: Closed to Public
Sunday: Closed to Public

Opening hours might be different on holidays. We advise you to always call and check if the Church is open.

FREE, as Jesus would aprove it!

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