Portuguese press reports suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez are planning a summer 2026 wedding in Funchal. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Funchal Cathedral, followed by a celebration at one of the city’s luxury hotels.
The Madeira setting reflects Ronaldo's family ties and early career in Funchal, with the wedding pencilled in for after the World Cup.
Funchal Cathedral: history and highlights
Funchal Cathedral—the Sé—was consecrated in 1514 after decades of work ordered under King Manuel I. It’s a late‑Gothic church with Manueline flourishes, built from local basalt and limestone. It became the episcopal seat as Madeira grew in importance during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
Step inside and look up at the beautiful wooden ceiling and across to the carved choir stalls. Figures wear sixteenth‑century dress alongside playful local details like cherubs holding bananas and wine vessels. The cathedral also holds a Manueline silver processional cross attributed to King Manuel I. For Ronaldo fans, there’s added symbolism too, as the cathedral sits a short distance from the hospital where he was born and near the grounds of his first club.
Can I visit Funchal Cathedral?
This is an active place of worship, so access can vary with services and private events. The cathedral is often open to the public, and it’s best to check opening hours and mass times before you go.
A mini itinerary around the news
A cathedral stop pairs well with a half‑day in the old centre, or Zona Velha, of Funchal. Wander along Rua Santa Maria to see the painted doors and grab a coffee. Swing by Mercado dos Lavradores for fruit stalls and flowers, then stroll to Fortaleza de São Tiago for sea views.
If you fancy a hill climb, take the cable car towards Nossa Senhora do Monte for church vistas and gardens. Football fans can add the CR7 Museum by the marina to see trophies and photo archives.
Once you've explored Funchal, travel beyond the city and get stuck into some of the things you can do on Madeira. For those active souls, you'll find endless hikes around the island, and don't leave without sampling the local wine from Portugal's top island.
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