While Madeira's tourism focuses on the Laurissilva forest, levadas, and Pico do Arieiro, a vast cultural heritage in Funchal often remains forgotten. The Processional Steps, stations of the Via Sacra that marked Holy Week, and the tile heritage reveal the island's historical and social identity.
Madeira has two Processional Steps, the oldest located in Funchal, in Largo do Pelourinho and Rua de Santa Maria. These wall altars, framed by red stonework from Cabo Girão, were stops on the old procession honoring Saint James the Lesser. One of these steps, in Largo do Pelourinho, is locked and its ownership is disputed.
Largo do Pelourinho also reveals traces of an interesting architectural past, with recovered buildings that once featured rare elements like windows made of Lioz marble. Funchal has other notable structures in Lioz marble, such as those of the Sé Cathedral's chapter house and the fountain in Largo do Chafariz.
