The City of Funchal was the first Atlantic City built outside the Old Continent.

At the end of the 15th century, with the Order of Christ of D. Manuel, Duke of Beja, he himself encouraged the planning and structuring of the progressive and prosperous Vila do Funchal, ordering the Town Hall to be built, sending the pillory and erecting a new church, started in 1493, later elevated to the category of Cathedral. In 1514, and almost at the same time, he determined to build a hospital and the new customs house in Funchal. With the beginning of the 16th century, in 1508, Funchal was elevated to the category of city and, a few years later, in 1514, the seat of a bishopric.