Coast Battery

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Madeira > Funchal > São Martinho > Casa Branca

Location

The Costa Battery is located within the Casa Branca area, an urban zone in the locality of São Martinho, Funchal. Its strategic position offers a privileged perspective over the coastal and maritime landscape, a setting that underscores its defensive purpose. Its placement allows for an understanding of the site's tactical importance, with unobstructed views of the coastline.

Defense and War Memory

This site is a testament to the defensive posture adopted by the island during World War II. The Costa Battery, operational since 1940, was strategically installed to protect Funchal Bay. Its primary objective was to safeguard the port from potential attacks, complementing other defense structures and ensuring the city's security against naval and aerial threats. The artillery pieces that operated here represent an important chapter in Madeira's military history.

Engineering and Challenges

The Krupp artillery pieces, with a caliber of 15 centimeters and a remarkable range of up to 14 kilometers, form the core of this battery. Their installation was a considerable engineering feat, given the equipment's size and weight, each piece weighed approximately 4700 kilograms. The transportation and assembly of these cannons to the deployment site were complex and laborious tasks, requiring the use of cranes and winches to overcome the difficulties of the rugged terrain. This monumental effort reflects the determination to protect the island during that period.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt