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Updated: 12/10/2026
Historiska platser och landmärkenMadeira

Forte de São Tiago

The old fortress at the edge of Funchal’s old town, now a restaurant and cultural space, with the sea on three sides.

The Fort of São Tiago in Funchal

At the western end of the old town of Funchal, the Forte de São Tiago juts out into the sea. Built to defend the city from pirates and privateers, it has been restored and now houses a restaurant and cultural spaces, while its walls and terraces remain open to the sea breeze.

A fortress by the sea

The fort was built in the early seventeenth century, when Madeira’s trade attracted the attention of corsairs and the city needed stronger defences. It served as a military post for centuries and was later used by the army before being restored and given its present cultural and hospitality use.

What to see

  • The walls and bastions, with the sea on three sides.
  • Views back over the old town of Funchal and the bay.
  • The restaurant and cultural spaces within the fort.
  • The streets of the old town, with their painted doors and restaurants.

Visiting the fort

The fort is at the end of Rua de Santa Maria, in the old town of Funchal, Madeira. Access and opening times vary with the activities on site, so check locally or with the regional culture service.

Visitor information: museus.madeira.gov.pt.

Image credit: Forte de São Tiago, Funchal, by H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.