Fort Saint John the Baptist

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Madeira > Machico > Machico > Misericórdia

Location

Situated in the picturesque locality of Machico, in the Misericórdia area, the Fort of São João Baptista stands next to the pier. Its strategic position, overlooking the cliffs of the bay, offers wide views of the sea and the surrounding coastal landscape, making the area inviting for a stroll along the water.

Historical and Military Legacy

Built in the early 18th century, by order of Governor Duarte Sodré Pereira in 1708, the Fort of São João Baptista stands out as one of the rare military structures on the island of Madeira to have withstood the passage of time. Its historical importance was formally recognized in 1943, when it was classified as a Property of Public Interest.

This fort played a crucial role in local defense. A notable episode occurred in 1828, during the Portuguese Civil War, when its batteries opened fire on the Miguelist fleet attempting to land in Machico bay. Despite having suffered some damage throughout its history, the fort has maintained its robustness, witnessing centuries of events and transformations.

A Symbol of Settlement

More than a defensive structure, the Fort of São João Baptista holds deep symbolic value for Madeira. Also known as the Fort of the Landing, its location is associated with the place where, in the late 15th century, the Portuguese first disembarked to begin the settlement of the island. This connection to the origin of the Portuguese presence gives the fort a special resonance in the collective memory of the region.

Architecture and Adaptations Over Time

The fort features characteristic military architecture, with an irregular quadrangular plan and two orders of batteries. Its robust, battered facades and the semi-pentagonal bastion protecting the landward entrance reveal a defensive design from past centuries. The main entrance, elevated and in ashlar masonry, bears a commemorative plaque from its original construction.

Over the years, the fort has seen various and unexpected uses beyond its initial military function. It served as a hospital during the cholera epidemic in the early 20th century and hosted holiday camps, adapting to new social needs. Inside, a small Gothic Revival chapel, dedicated to the fort's patron saint, stands out, adding a cultural touch to the ensemble.

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