Fort of São João Baptista

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Madeira > Porto Moniz > Ladeira

Coastal Location

Situated in the locality of Ladeira, in the municipality of Porto Moniz, this fort stands on the picturesque north coast of the island of Madeira. Its elevated position facing the Atlantic Ocean offers a wide view over the blue vastness and the rocky coastline, making it a easily visible point along the coastal landscape.

A Return to the Past

The São João Baptista Fort is a faithful recreation of the original fortification, built in 1730. Its initial construction aimed to protect the population of Porto Moniz from attacks and pillages that were once common. The ruins of the old structure were acquired by the Porto Moniz Municipal Council in 1998 and, two years later, recovery work began, focusing on the preservation of the remaining walls and the use of original stone for the reconstruction of the fortress as it was in the 18th century.

Marine Life in Focus

Far from its former defensive function, the São João Baptista Fort now houses the Madeira Aquarium. This space is dedicated to showcasing the rich local marine biodiversity. The aquarium features twelve exhibition tanks, one of which is large, with approximately 500,000 litres of saltwater. Inside, it is possible to observe more than ninety autochthonous species, representing the diverse underwater habitats of Madeira.

Environment and Landscape

The fort's location contributes to a particularly scenic environment. It offers a privileged perspective of the Atlantic, with its waves breaking on the coast. It is a place where history meets natural beauty, providing a remarkable setting for visitors to this part of the island. The fort's structure, with its restored walls, integrates into the landscape, inviting contemplation of the ocean and its surroundings.

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