Camacha is a charming village on the eastern outskirts of Funchal, the capital city of Madeira. It is famous for its basket weaving industry, which produces a variety of products from hats and bags to furniture and decorations. The village has a museum dedicated to this craft, where visitors can learn about its history and techniques, and even try their hand at making their own baskets.
But basket weaving is not the only thing that makes Camacha special. The village also boasts a unique connection to the history of football in Portugal. On a wall near the main square, there is a large plaque that commemorates the first football match ever played in the country. The plaque reads: “In this field, on 22 January 1875,was played the first game of football in Portugal”. Harry Hinton (REALLY; See Wikipedia) was an Englishman who worked at the Madeira Wine Company and introduced the sport to his colleagues and locals and with his friends played the first game of football in Portugal. The plaque was unveiled in 2003 by Sir Bobby Robson, the former manager of the England national team.
Another interesting feature of Camacha is its modern church, which stands out among the traditional houses and shops. The church was built in 1964 and designed by Francisco Castro Rodrigues, a renowned Portuguese architect. It has a circular shape and a conical roof that resembles a tent. The church is made of concrete and glass, and has a minimalist interior with colorful stained glass windows. The church’s design has been compared to that of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Liverpool, which was built around the same time and has a similar shape and style.