Forte de S茫o Tiago (Saint James Fort), Funchal
There was a time when Portugal completely dominated commercial routes of the North Atlantic. The safety of Funchal seemed assured. Who would want to attack this island? Someone did. In 1566 pirates ravaged the undefended port. There was a great deal of slaughter. The danger was real and ongoing, but Funchal was not fortified until 1614.
Construction of the fortress began under the direction of Master builder Jeronimo Jorge. The work was continued later by Jeronimo's son, Bartolomeo Joao and engineer Tossi Columbiano who also designed the Port of Funchal. The fort was considered finished by the mid-18th century.
Pirate and privateer activities diminished over the years and the fort served a multitude of purposes. It was used as a base for British troops during the Peninsular Wars of the early 19th century. The military police and the Funchal Lancers quartered there. The fort also served as shelter for the victims of the devastating floods of 1803.
In 1901 King Carlos I and Queen Amelie of Orleans paid a visit to Funchal and had lunch at the Fort. They were served under a tent set up inside the fort.
Construction of the fortress began under the direction of Master builder Jeronimo Jorge. The work was continued later by Jeronimo's son, Bartolomeo Joao and engineer Tossi Columbiano who also designed the Port of Funchal. The fort was considered finished by the mid-18th century.
Pirate and privateer activities diminished over the years and the fort served a multitude of purposes. It was used as a base for British troops during the Peninsular Wars of the early 19th century. The military police and the Funchal Lancers quartered there. The fort also served as shelter for the victims of the devastating floods of 1803.
In 1901 King Carlos I and Queen Amelie of Orleans paid a visit to Funchal and had lunch at the Fort. They were served under a tent set up inside the fort.
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Forte de S茫o Tiago (Saint James Fort) on Map
Sight Name: Forte de S茫o Tiago (Saint James Fort)
Sight Location: Funchal, Portugal (See walking tours in Funchal)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Funchal, Portugal (See walking tours in Funchal)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Funchal, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Funchal
Creating your own self-guided walk in Funchal is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Monte Walking Tour
Monte, a spectacular hilltop area 550 meters above sea level in the northeast of Funchal, is a favored destination for many tourists visiting Madeira. Getting to and from Monte 鈥� up on the cable car and down on an exhilarating dry toboggan run 鈥� is only half the fun. The other half is exploring the unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions found in the area.
One of the... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 11.3 Km or 7 Miles
One of the... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 11.3 Km or 7 Miles
Funchal Introduction Walking Tour
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In 1418, Joao Goncalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira, while in service to Henry the Navigator, were... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
In 1418, Joao Goncalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira, while in service to Henry the Navigator, were... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles