We recommend a visit to the Frederico de Freitas Museum in Funchal. Originally the residence of the Counts of Calçada, this historic house was bought in the 1940s by Frederico de Freitas, a lawyer and art collector. Tastefully furnished and decorated, this unique place took us back to another era.
Check out our useful tips and photos to help you plan your visit and have a great time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Frederico de Freitas Museum worthwhile?
That’s right, it’s featured in our article on must-do activities in Funchal! Located in an elegant 17th-century property, it houses a collection of works of art, antique furniture, porcelain, azulejos and decorative objects assembled by the collector Frederico de Freitas. The setting is also magnificent. The panoramic glass roof of the Casa dos Azulejos totally seduced us!
What you can see
The building’s historic architecture
Before you cross the threshold of the entrance gate, take a step back to observe the property’s imposing, colorful facade. Arriving from Santa Clara’s steep alleyway, you’ll already be able to make out the perimeter walls that delimit the residence and their characteristic hue between red and pink. Residence of the Counts of Calçada in the 17th century, it was described as a palace in the 19th-century press. We discovered that Frederico de Freitas had ended up renting the majestic house in 1941. It was only in 1988 that the museum finally opened its doors to the public.
Alleys lined with flowers and plants
We found the property very well maintained, both inside and out. On either side of the picturesque walkways, flowers and plants compliment the surrounding walls. Opposite the entrance is a surprising rock alcove, which resembles a natural grotto. Covered in lush green vegetation, it lends the site a touch of cachet.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
La Casa de Calçada
Unfortunately, photos are not allowed in the old house. Our shots of the façade, however, give you a taste of the property’s interior. It houses numerous rooms, from the bedroom, through the dining room, to the conservatory. The rooms are richly decorated, immersing us in the lifestyle of the local nobility in the Baroque period. We imagined the daily life of the former owner in this impressive residence.
The bust of Frederico de Freitas
Between the Casa de Calçada and the Casa dos Azulejos, we spotted a bust of Frederico de Freitas. A lawyer and art collector, he collected an impressive array of antique furniture, porcelain, azulejos and other decorative objects. We’d love to meet this enthusiast and learn the secrets of his fabulous collection!
The Casa dos Azulejos and its huge bay window
Casa do Azulejos boasts an imposing glass roof with panoramic views over Funchal. She enlarges the exhibition space, which hosts numerous azulejos of different colors and sizes. Bathed in natural light, the room is very soothing. We could have spent hours sitting on a bench upstairs, contemplating the works and the city.
Panoramic view of Funchal
We stepped out onto the lengthy outdoor terrace to better appreciate the cityscape. We could even make out a patch of the Atlantic Ocean above the city’s orange roofs. The place is very relaxing.
The great rock wall
To the right of the terrace, you’ll notice an imposing rock wall. Delimiting the residence, it resembles a fortification. Down below, we discovered a small garden that didn’t seem to be part of the property. In our photo, can you see the Fort of São João Batista?
The garden and its view of Saint Peter’s Church
From the garden of the Frederico de Freitas Museum, you can contemplate the bell tower of Saint Peter’s Church. The green space is very pleasant and equipped with several benches. Take the time to stop off and enjoy the peace and quiet! Afterwards, we visited the church building.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Frederico de Freitas House Museum in Funchal: how to get there
Where is the museum?
- On the island of Madeira,
- In the capital Funchal,
- In the heights of downtown,
- Close to the 3D Fun Art Museum and Funchal Municipal Garden,
- At no. 7 Calçada de Santa Clara.
Use our map to find your way around the city:
Access by car and parking
The museum is located on the edge of the old town. We do not recommend driving in the historic center. The streets are narrow and cobbled. Some are even one-way. Choose a parking lot outside the historic center, such as Parking Santa Luzia. It is open from 6am to 10pm on weekdays. It’s a 7-minute walk to the museum.
Public transport access
Several bus stops are located in Rua 5 de Outubro, close to the museum, including lines 12, 17, 20 and 21. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
The Frederico de Freitas Museum is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. It is divided into several houses: Casa de Entrada, Casa de Calçada, and Casa dos Azulejos. As a result, some rooms are relatively narrow. The courtyard floor is very uneven, and there are a few steps. However, it is possible to bring a folding chair to sit on during the tour. Casa dos Azulejos has its own elevator.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Visit the Frederico de Freitas House-Museum: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5:30pm. It closes on Sundays, Mondays and during school vacations. Check out the latest news here.
Admission costs €3 in cash only. It’s free for children under 12.
For how long?
Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum and its small garden.
Best moment
In our opinion, the Maison Frederico de Freitas is one of the best museums in Funchal, but it’s not very popular with tourists. However, it’s best to visit outside the summer season (July, August). This way, you can avoid the city’s busiest periods. Choose morning slots as soon as they open, or lunchtime slots. Visitor numbers are generally lower.
Direction of visit
Our friendly staff will guide you through your visit. He’ll point you in the right direction and make sure you’ve seen the whole place. First, you’ll arrive at Casa de Entrada. We then recommend you head for the Casa de Calçada, followed by the Casa dos Azulejos. To round off your exploration in style, take a stroll through the garden adjoining the museum.
Visiting with children
We didn’t notice any special tours for children, or any fun games. On the other hand, museum staff are very attentive to visitors’ every move. Keep an eye on your toddlers! It is strictly forbidden to touch furniture and objets d’art in the old house, whose rooms can be quite narrow.
Eating out
The museum is located high above the city center, so it’s surrounded by many fine restaurants. Discover our selection of the best restaurants in Funchal and taste the local culinary specialties! Special mention for Restaurant 5 Sentidos, just a 5-minute walk away.
Hotels
Quality hotels are located close to the museum. Read our article on the best places to stay in Funchal! Otherwise, here are 2 of our favorites in the area:
- Appart’hôtel Three House (4 stars) – See prices, photos and availability.
- Castanheiro Boutique-Hotel (4 stars) – See prices, photos and availability.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
