Igreja de São Pedro (St. Peter's Church), Funchal

Saint Peter's Church (Igreja de São Pedro) is situated in Funchal and was commissioned for construction in 1590, but took several decades to be completed in 1743. It features a tall bell tower with a colored tile roof and a small cockerel at the top. The church's exterior is a mix of white and dark colors, and there is a flight of steps leading up to the double doors. The building showcases Mannerist-style architecture, with a single nave and chancel and three small chapels branching off the nave.

The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful blue and white azulejo tiles from the 17th century and paintings, jewelry, and furniture from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The nave ceiling is painted, and there are long, narrow wooden balconies running along either side of the back of the nave. The chancel arch features two side altars dedicated to Our Lady of Candelaria and Santa Luzia and is an example of Baroque architecture. The main altar and reredos are magnificent, with gilt-covered carvings and a tabernacle behind the figure of Christ crucified.

The side chapels branching off from the nave also feature decorative Baroque altars. However, the chapel at the back of the north wall is a later addition and lacks the azulejo tiles found elsewhere in the church. It is surrounded by an arcade of pillars supporting round arches, and its reredos is plain compared to the others in the church. Lastly, there is a small sacristy on the north side of the chancel that is also used by the flower arrangers.

Saint Peter's Church is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Funchal and Madeira. Its beautiful architecture, stunning artwork, and rich history make it one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks on the island.