[2] These ambitions aligned with correspondence from the 1470s, when attempts by the Bishop of Tangier to include Madeira in his diocese were blocked by the Portuguese Crown, emphasizing plans for a future bishopric tied to the Order of Christ.

His reign brought renewed focus on Funchal's development, including administrative reforms on Madeira and efforts to integrate the island into Portugal’s broader imperial strategy.

Master builder João Gonçalves initially led the project, later replaced by Pêro Anes (or Gil Enes), a royal carpenter, who introduced advanced methods seen on the mainland.

By 1517, the main altar was consecrated, and the church’s interior was nearly complete, featuring intricate woodwork and silver items funded by island revenues rather than direct royal gifts.

The cathedral’s design reflects Gothic and Manueline architectural styles, symbolizing Madeira’s religious and economic prominence during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.

The building was constructed using thousands of blocks of volcanic rocks carried from the cliffs at Cabo Girão, namely trachybasalt, trachyandesite, trachyte, tephrite and ashes, lapilli and breccia tuff.

The opening to the chancel is defined by a triumphal arch of handmade artwork in the form of boards and chairs that are divided into two rows, the first reserved for the capitulars and the lower one for the chaplains.