Praça do Carmo is a charming and historic square located in the heart of Funchal, Madeira. Known for its picturesque setting and traditional architecture, the square is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. It is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Funchal.
Praca do Carmo is certainly a nice little square in which to relax, with some lovely examples of 18th century architecture, and several small restaurants and cafes where you can grab a coffee, bite to eat, and mix with the local
Palácio dos Cônsules, a large three-storey rectangular baroque palace built in the 17th century is half hidden. The ground floor includes shops and services, including the Juvenile Court of Funchal on other two floors. If you don't know what you are looking for you can easily miss it.
Rua Portão de São Tiago,
Funchal,
Madeira,
Portugal
Forte de São Tiago is a historic 16th-century fortress located in Funchal, Madeira. Built to defend the city from pirate attacks, the fort is known for its distinctive architecture and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it houses the **Museu de Arte Contemporânea (Museum of Contemporary Art)**, making it a cultural and historical landmark in Madeira
The Fort of São Tiago (or Fortaleza de São Tiago) is a historic military fort located in the heart of Funchal's old town (Zona Velha) on the island of Madeira. Built in 1614, its primary purpose was to protect Funchal from pirate attacks and foreign invasions during a time when Madeira was a crucial stopover for Atlantic navigation.
Over the centuries, the fort has seen varied uses and transformations. Originally designed with robust stone walls, bastions, and ramparts to withstand cannon fire and repel naval assaults, its striking yellow facade stands out among Funchal's historic architecture. Besides its original military role, it later housed British troops, served as a shelter during natural emergencies like the 1803 flood, and even functioned as police headquarters. In more recent history, from 1994 until 2015, the fort was repurposed as the Madeira Museum of Contemporary Art before the museum moved to a new venue in Calheta.
Today, the Fort of São Tiago is a popular cultural landmark that not only offers visitors a tangible connection to Madeira's past but also provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the historic center of Funchal. Its blend of military history and modern cultural use makes it a fascinating site for anyone interested in the evolution of urban spaces and heritage conservation.
