Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Ilhéu Fort, Funchal (Madeira)
Arts Venue and Castle in Funchal (Madeira)
The Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição was constructed on the Ilhéu Grande. It is commonly referred to as Forte do Ilhéu. Its construction commenced in 1652 and the fortress was officially inaugurated two years later, in 1654. As the name suggests, this area was once an islet, but with the expansion of the port, it became joined to the mainland.
By 1682, a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição was established on the site, leading to the islet being named after the chapel, hence the designation Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Ilhéu.
It has an elevator built as part of the state works campaign of Rui Marote in 1845 and a crane that dates from the same year. The memory of João Gonçalves Zarco is indelibly linked to the fort, for it marks his first dwelling in Funchal.
As time progressed and Funchal developed, there arose a need for a port that could accommodate the city's growing requirements. This need led to the islet being connected first to a smaller neighbouring islet and subsequently to the mainland, a project completed in 1888. This connection was instrumental in meeting the evolving infrastructural needs of the area.
Presently, the fort houses the Nini Andrade Silva Design Center, with exhibitions and a charming restaurant.
What Other Travellers Say...
Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Ilhéu in São Martinho, Funchal, is frequently praised by visitors as a beautiful, well-liked spot to visit, with guests calling it very good and recommending it for its appeal.
The Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Ilhéu Fort appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Funchal (Madeira)!
Moira & Andy
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Planning Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
- Museu CR7 (0.4) km
Museum - Jardim de Santa Catarina (0.5) km
Gardens - Baltazar Dias Theatre (0.7) km
Theatre - Reid's Palace (0.8) km
Hotel - São Lourenço Palace (0.8) km
Museum and Palace - Madeira Military Museum (0.9) km
Museum - Blandy's Wine Lodge (0.9) km
Wine Cellar - Statue of Joao Goncalves Zarco (0.9) km
Statue - Natural History Museum (1.0) km
Museum - Madeira Photography Museum (1.0) km
Museum
