As a result of the recuperation project of this street, many well-known and anonymous artists have been transforming old doors into works of art, making tourists and even locals fall in love during a walk to appreciate the works in two or three dimensions.

It all began to change in 2010 when Jose Zyberchema launched the Funchal Painted Doors Project. His aim was to revitalise the Zone Velha by bringing art to the area. He contacted a number of artists and they set to work painting the doors of the houses with all manner of quirky designs.

You’ll find most of the painted doors in the Rua de Santa Maria. However there are also a few in the side streets and on the parallel Rua Dom Carlos, close to the seafront. There are no rules about what can be painted, or who can contribute to the project, meaning that there is a remarkable variety of subjects and styles. There are currently around 200 painted doors, transforming the area into a kind of outdoor art gallery.