Hospital Velho, Funchal (original)

Old building of Hospital da Misericórdia in Funchal. Built by order of D. Manuel I dated 1507, unknown date of completion, to replace the former hospital. Located at Santa Maria Maior, in the street that still bears its name, Rua do Hospital Velho. Was in use as hospital until the 17th century, when the services were moved to a new building in Avenida Arriaga, now serving as vice-presidêncial palace of Madeira government. Demolished sometime during the 19th century, after 1860, since it was still photographed. The valuable windows in Manueline style were salvaged by Conselheiro Aires de Ornelas e Vasconcelos, who kept them dismounted in a depot in his palace were they remained until 1947, when his descendant D. Luísa de Ornelas Tomaszevska donated the blocks to the the municipality. they were afterwards reconstructed and placed at exposition in Museu Quinta das Cruzes, where they still are today. For references see Arquivo Histórico da Madeira, Vol. VII, pages 115-118.