Igreja do Colégio (College Church), Funchal

College Church (Igreja do Colégio), also known as the Church of São João Evangelista, is a beautiful church in the heart of Funchal. Constructed in the 17th century by the Society of Jesus, the church represents the shift from the Mannerist style to the Baroque, marked by impressive decorations.

It is located in the São Pedro parish and is among the wealthiest churches in the archipelago. The church's interior is a beautiful display of Baroque architecture, featuring a longitudinal plan and three intercommunicating chapels. The chapels are adorned with stunning 17th-century carved altarpieces that are considered among the most valuable in the country.

The most striking feature of the church's interior is the Chapel of the Eleven Thousand Virgins, which is decorated with painted tiles and boasts a beautifully painted roof that resembles a dome with lunettes. The temple is also decorated with paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, adding to its artistic value. In 2008, a grand organ was installed in the church, crafted by the Portuguese organ builder Dinarte Machado and inaugurated by the Dutch conductor Ton Koopman.

The atrium of College Church is graced by a stunning sugar boxwood windscreen door flanked by two shell-shaped fonts of holy water. Additionally, the façade of the church showcases the reliquary busts of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Francisco de Borja, and Saint Estanislau.

College Church is an important part of Madeira's cultural heritage and is a must-visit attraction for those interested in religious architecture and art. The church is open to the public and offers visitors a chance to marvel at its historical and artistic value. It is a true gem in the heart of Funchal and is not to be missed.