Fortress of São Lourenço

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Sé

Location

Located in the heart of Funchal, in the parish of Sé, the São Lourenço Fortress stands imposingly next to the Avenida do Mar. Its privileged location, on the old seafront, offers a comprehensive view of the city's bay and the vast Atlantic. Its robust walls distinguish it in the urban landscape, underscoring its historical and strategic importance.

Centuries of History

The history of the São Lourenço Fortress dates back to the early 16th century when D. Manuel I ordered the construction of a fortress to defend the Island of Madeira. From this initial phase, the eastern turret remains visible, adorned with the royal arms, the armillary sphere, and the Cross of Christ, symbols of the era. Over the centuries, and in response to threats such as the incursion of French corsairs, the fortress underwent successive expansions and adaptations. These interventions gradually transformed the military structure into a palatial residence, known from the 18th century onwards as the São Lourenço Palace.

In the 19th century, an administrative division separated its occupation. The eastern wing maintained its military function, housing the Command of the Military Zone of Madeira, while the western wing was designated for the official representation of the State in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, serving as the official residence.

Architecture and Royal Details

The São Lourenço Fortress displays an architecture that reflects its evolution over the centuries, combining fortification elements with the grandeur of a palace. Its layout is complex and star-shaped, with pentagonal bastions facing the city and a low battery extending in front of the sea, flanked by towers. The facades, mostly plastered and painted white, are highlighted by stonework quoins.

As one explores the site, striking details can be observed, such as the stonework gunports on the battery facing the sea and the emblem that crowns the Joãoine turret, including merlons of regional red stone and gargoyles. The central bastion, facing north, bears national coats of arms referring to the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Habsburg crown, testaments to its rich and complex history.

The Interior Cultural Legacy

Inside the São Lourenço Fortress, the fusion between the old fortress and the palace is evident, especially in its noble areas that are now open to visitors. These halls preserve a notable collection of Portuguese and European decorative arts, with pieces dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Some of this collection comes from the palace itself, while other pieces were transferred from national palaces, such as exceptional French furniture in "Boulle" style, originating from the Royal Palace of Ajuda in Lisbon.

Furthermore, a portrait gallery offers a glimpse into Portugal's royal history, with representations of monarchs such as D. João V, D. José, and a notable portrait of D. João VI. The military area of the fortress complements this cultural offering, featuring an exhibition that narrates the history of the building, enriched by a military museum.

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