Forte de São Tiago

The Forte de São Tiago, also called the Fortaleza de São Tiago, stands on the seafront at the eastern end of Funchal's Zona Velha, on Rua do Portão de São Tiago, on the island of Madeira in Portugal. Its construction began in 1614, during the period when the Portuguese crown was joined to the Spanish monarchy, as part of a programme to strengthen the city's defences. The need was clear: in 1566 French corsairs had sacked Funchal, and the island remained exposed to raiders from the Barbary coast and northern Europe throughout the following century. The fort was positioned on a rocky promontory beside the shore so that its guns commanded the anchorage and the approaches to the old town. Architecturally it is a compact bastioned fortress with thick walls, a sloping outer face, a gate on the landward side and a terrace for artillery. The walls are painted in the distinctive ochre-yellow common to Funchal's historic military buildings, which contrasts strongly with the dark volcanic stone used for the base and the sea beyond. The fort takes its name from Saint James (São Tiago). Over the centuries the fort served as a garrison and defensive post, and it has been restored in modern times for public use. Its interior has been used for cultural purposes, including exhibitions, and opening hours for the interior vary, so visitors should check with the Funchal tourism office. The exterior and ramparts can be explored at no cost, and the terraces provide wide views over the harbour and the coastline of the city. The fort sits within a few minutes' walk of the Capela do Corpo Santo, the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria and a long run of restaurants, so it fits naturally into a half-day on the historic waterfront. Visitors usually spend 30 to 60 minutes, longer if the interior is open.