Forte de São Tiago (Saint James Fort), Funchal

There was a time when Portugal completely dominated commercial routes of the North Atlantic. The safety of Funchal seemed assured. Who would want to attack this island? Someone did. In 1566 pirates ravaged the undefended port. There was a great deal of slaughter. The danger was real and ongoing, but Funchal was not fortified until 1614.

Construction of the fortress began under the direction of Master builder Jeronimo Jorge. The work was continued later by Jeronimo's son, Bartolomeo Joao and engineer Tossi Columbiano who also designed the Port of Funchal. The fort was considered finished by the mid-18th century.

Pirate and privateer activities diminished over the years and the fort served a multitude of purposes. It was used as a base for British troops during the Peninsular Wars of the early 19th century. The military police and the Funchal Lancers quartered there. The fort also served as shelter for the victims of the devastating floods of 1803.

In 1901 King Carlos I and Queen Amelie of Orleans paid a visit to Funchal and had lunch at the Fort. They were served under a tent set up inside the fort.