Palácio de São Lourenço

photo: Zita Abreu

Funchal’s first fortress was built between 1529 and 1540 on a plea by the population of Funchal after a vessel, moored in the harbour of Funchal, had been pillaged. The fortress served as the official residence for many captains and governors of the island. Unfortunately, the fort failed as a safehold seeing that it was succumbed easily to the attacks of the French pirates in 1566. The years which followed involved further development or advancement on the defensive structure: many improvements, alterations and extensions to the original construction were made. In August 1943, it was classified as a National Monument. In July 1993 an exhibition, which is currently housed in the fortress itself, was opened to the public. The exhibition traces the history and development of the fortress. Today, the Palácio de São Lourenço is one of the best-preserved Portuguese fortifications from the 16^th  century. It serves as the residence for the head of the Autonomous Region and Military Command.