The bonds of friendship and solidarity between Madeirians and Gibraltarians have long been consolidated. At the beginning of World War II, due to imminent attacks from Nazi Germany, Gibraltar's civilian population was evacuated. At that time, Madeira kindly agreed to host about 2500 Gibraltarians refugees, mostly women and children who arrived at Funchal between July 21 and August 13, 1940, and here remained until the end of the War.

In Funchal, the Gibraltarians organized several solidarity actions against poverty, founded several philanthropic institutions and coexisted harmoniously with Funchalenses and Madeirians.

When the community of Gibraltar returned home, Funchal Town Hall organized a party at Municipal Garden, where they were offered several Cardinals plants (Hibiscus)  red and white (colors of the territory) that were intended to be planted in the gardens of Gibraltar with the purpose of perpetuate in their memory the time they had spent in Madeira. In recognition, we can find some references to Madeira in Gibraltar, in particular, in streets and squares names.

On April 8, 2008, was unveiled at Parque de Santa Catarina, near the chapel of the same, a monument in Honor of Gibraltarians Refugee who died in Madeira between 1940 and 1945. This monument offered by the Community of Gibraltar symbolizes also the gratitude of the people of Gibraltar for the affectionate way they were welcome in Funchal in that difficult period.

This cooperation and exchange will cover all areas that are considered of relevant interest, to both parties, namely:

• Economic Cooperation and Investment
• Tourism
• Environment and Heritage
• Educational and NVQ’S
• Cultural and Sporting Initiatives

The twinning agreement between the city of Funchal and Gibraltar was signed in 13th of May of 2009 by their Mayors Miguel Filipe Machado de Albuquerque and Alan Solomon Levy, respectively.





Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It has an area of 6.8 square kilometers (2.6 sq mi) and a northern border with Andalusia, Spain.

The name originates from the Gibraltar Arabic words jabal al-Tariq (خبلطرق) which means "Mountain of Tarique”.

Gibraltar is popularly known as "Gib" or "The Rock".

“The Rock” is a militarily strategic promontory at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea.

A Visitar:
www.gibraltar.gov.gi