Funchal Cathedral (Sé), Madeira

The conservation of the exterior stone masonry of the Funchal Cathedral is considered a feasible project based on the recently completed condition survey and the interest demonstrated by the tutelary institution, the Regional Direction of Cultural Affairs (DRAC), who is currently restoring the tiled roof and the exterior rendered surfaces as part of the overall restoration of the Cathedral.

The project has been subdivided into three phases. The first phase corresponds to the conservation of the stone masonry of the façade. The decorated elements are the main portal and the carved stone rose window above it, both of which are deteriorating badly and will require the intervention of specialized conservators. The horizontal moulding between them needs to have its slope corrected and sealed so as to ensure that no water will remain stagnant on it (which is one of the main reasons the stones above and below it are deteriorating more).
The stone masonry at the corners may require a few stones to be refaced and/or replaced given their advanced deterioration, and filling of some cracks. Finally, the refilling and repointing of joints, many of which are open, would complete the intervention. Only minor cleaning will be needed on some specific stone blocks.

The second phase addresses the rest of the stone masonry of the cathedral, excepting the bell tower. This corresponds to the apse, its piers and the balustrades of the terraces above it as well as the various corners towards the back of the building. The stone masonry requires minor cleaning, addressing some problems related to past restorations with cement mortars, eventual re-facing or replacing of some blocks in a more advanced state of deterioration and the usual repointing of joints.

The third phase corresponds to the bell tower. The reason for carrying out this intervention as the last part is to allow for the monitoring of some cracks present in the bell tower to confirm whether they are active or not. DRAC has agreed to have a structural engineer study this issue and recommend the places where a new set of fissurometers are to be installed. Regular readings for over a year will allow to determine whether the cracks are still active, in which case some measures for stabilizing the structure will be required, or not. It is our belief that the structure has stabilized as the vault of the sacristy, the lower room of the tower, which in early 2002 showed extensive cracks and fissures, was painted over that same year and, to date, no fissure has appeared. Nonetheless, it is important that the tower be monitored.

The stone masonry of the tower presents similar problems to the rest of the masonry. Elements such as the pinnacles around the bell tower balcony, present the heaviest deterioration given their exposed location.

Overall, the conservation work required can be considered that of an extraordinary maintenance. This will reduce the deterioration rate of this monument thus ensuring its long term preservation.

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