The Fort of São Tiago was built in 1614. The Portuguese Crown constructed it to help protect Madeira from pirate raids and the occasional threat from rival European powers. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries it helped protect Funchal from corsairs and privateers, especially during the tense periods of conflict between Portugal and Spain.
It is now a cultural venue (and had a whole bunch of people sunbathing on the uncomfortable looking floor beside it).
Olympus Trip 35 & Fujifilm Across II. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°
Taken 2 July 2026.
Steel City Snapper photography 