When you visit Funchal , you will notice at one point or another a pretty yellow building on the coast. This building is none other than the São Tiago Fortress in the historic center of the city.
The Portuguese built the brick and stone fortress in 1614 to protect Funchal from pirate attacks and corsairs. This construction was probably long overdue, as pirates attacked the city in 1566. Before this attack, it did not seem particularly important to develop a defense system. In fact, at that time the Portuguese dominated most of the North Atlantic routes.
The construction of the fortress was completed under the supervision of the builder and fortifier Jerónimo Jorge during the reign of Philip I. of Portugal. After his death, his son Bartolomeu João took over. Tossi Columbina, who designed the port of Funchal, was responsible for the construction project.
Between 1767 and 1992, the São Tiago Fortress was used for military purposes. At different times, it served as quarters for British troops, the Military Police and the Funchal Lancers Squad. In addition, in 1803 it becomes a refuge for the homeless victims of massive floods on the island.
From 1992 to 2014, the fortress housed the Funchal Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum is now located in the Casa das Mudas in Calheta.
Nowadays, the fortress is still open to the public and gives its visitors an idea of what life was like in the fortress.
Highly recommended is the Restaurante do Forte, which is part of the fortress.
Photos & Text: Rainer Georgius
Nature & Culture 
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