Colegio dos Jesuitas do Funchal ( Jesuit College of Funchal), Funchal

Situated in the heart of Funchal, near the Funchal Sacred Art Museum and the Municipal Chamber, stands the impressive Jesuit College. This remarkable building, one of Funchal's most notable structures, is now accessible to visitors.

Originally established in 1570, the Jesuit College served as the local headquarters and college of the Society of Jesus until 1760. Since then, it has undergone several transformations, serving as a military school, seminary, barracks, regimental school, higher education school, and preparatory school. At one point, it was the largest building in the region. Today, it serves as the rectory of the University of Madeira.

The Jesuit College is an enormous Mannerist-style building, with a white and black exterior. It comprises two courtyards, one larger than the other, with the larger one containing a well that was used by the students. The smaller courtyard was reserved for the priests and is not open to the public. Visitors can enter the shop and refectory area through an archway. The original bell is still on display here, although it is no longer in use.

The library corridor, with doors leading into different sections of the library, is a notable feature. One of the rooms, now used as the general council room, was designed with a domed ceiling that amplified even the slightest noise. Stone window seats provided the priests with a vantage point to observe student behavior in the courtyard below. The priest's corridor with their cells is located around the final bend. The college is minimally furnished, with some furniture from Monte Palace.

Visitors can access the ground floor of the building free of charge. A circuit map is available for each visitor, outlining all the relevant points of interest. The doors are open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.