Fortress
Fortaleza de São Tiago
🇵🇹 Portugal · 17th century
The Fort of São Tiago (Portuguese: Fortaleza de São Tiago) is a historic military fort located in the historical centre (Zona Velha) of Funchal, Madeira. Constructed in the early 17th century, the fort was built to protect the island against pirate attacks and foreign invasions. The fort is notable for its prominent yellow walls, which contrast with the surrounding architecture, and its strategic position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Today, Fort of São Tiago serves as both a cultural landmark and a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the sea and the city of Funchal.
Text adapted from “Fort of São Tiago” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Fortaleza de São Tiago ranks #3,805 of 8,133 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #44 of the 205 mapped in Portugal. Founded 1614, it is older than 31% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 626 atlas entries founded in the 17th century. 4 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. See how Portugal compares in the castle statistics.
View on the interactive castle map →Frequently asked questions
Where is Fortaleza de São Tiago?
Fortaleza de São Tiago stands in Portugal, at 32.64671°, -16.89856°.
When was Fortaleza de São Tiago built?
The atlas dates its founding to 1614. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.
How famous is Fortaleza de São Tiago?
In this atlas's fame ranking: #3,805 of 8,133 worldwide, and #44 in Portugal. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.
What is the nearest castle to Fortaleza de São Tiago?
Palácio de São Lourenço, about 1 km away.
More castles in Portugal
- Fort of São Francisco do Queijo Portugal · 17th century
- Episcopal Palace, Porto Portugal · 13th century
- Seteais Palace Portugal · 18th century
- Estaus Palace Portugal · 15th century
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