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Culture · Funchal · 13 August 2026

Madeira's Ex-Votos: Historical and Artistic Heritage Requiring Protection

Funchal Notícias highlights the need to conserve ex-votos on the island, which are historical markers of Madeiran art and social life.

The publication Funchal Notícias emphasizes the importance of conserving ex-votos in Madeira, a practice with origins in classical antiquity adapted to the Christian context.

Arriving on the island in the 15th century with Portuguese colonizers, the tradition of ex-votos—objects left in sanctuaries as thanks for granted favors—manifested in the region through tiled panels.

A notable example is the one at the former Recolhimento do Bom Jesus, dated 1744 and attributed to Nicolau de Freitas. Despite being classified, it shows signs of deterioration and awaits restoration. A more recent ex-voto, from 1940, is located at the entrance of the Santa Clara Convent.

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