Parish Church of Caniço

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?