Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico

Castle in Funchal (Madeira)

Fortaleza De São João Baptista Do Pico

Perched 111 meters above sea level, São João Batista Fort, also known as ‘Pico Fort’, stands as a remarkable landmark on the Island of Madeira, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic landscape. Constructed in the 17th century, the fort served the dual purpose of enhancing the city’s defenses against pirate attacks and initially housed the city’s gunpowder warehouse for all the forts and towers on the island. In the mid-20th century, the fort was handed over to the Navy and transformed into the Communications Centre of the Navy, earning the local nickname ‘Pico Rádio’ (Radio Peak) due to the installation of several antennas. Recent renovations have transformed São João Batista Fort into a multipurpose space with areas for concerts, conferences, and a cafeteria, providing visitors with a comfortable environment to appreciate the stunning panoramic views of Funchal.


The Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Funchal (Madeira)!

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Visiting Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico

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