Fort of St. James Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Socorro

Location:

The old fort is located in the Socorro area, by the Funchal seafront. It is situated on an elevated point above the sea, with the city's typical houses sprawling below.

Around it, one notices the presence of rounded stones on the coast and small rock formations that accentuate the direct contact with the Atlantic Ocean.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Origin: Built in the 17th century to defend the city from attacks coming from the sea.

Museum Role: Between 1992 and 2015, it hosted contemporary art works by national artists, supporting local initiatives for artistic expression.

Evolution: In 2015, the collection was transferred to another space in Madeira, but the fort maintained its heritage value and continued to host several temporary exhibitions.

Visitor Attractions:

Architecture: Walls of dark stonework, bastions, and a striking silhouette against the sky.

Seaside Ambiance: The sound of the waves and direct visual contact with the Atlantic create a sense of tranquility.

Photo Opportunity: The outdoor platform offers expansive horizons, ideal for capturing the meeting point between the city and the ocean.

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