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Funchal (Santa Maria Maior)

Fortress of Saint James

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Castles

Funchal (Santa Maria Maior)

Fortress of Saint James

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Fortress of Saint James

Recommended by 148 hikers out of 164

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Location: Funchal (Santa Maria Maior)

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Best Hikes to Fortress of Saint James

4.5

(102)

607

hikers

1. Hiking in Funchal — circular route on Madeira Island

5.76km

01:34

80m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.5

(13)

111

hikers

2. View of Funchal Marina – Funchal Old Town loop from Ilhéus

8.48km

02:20

130m

140m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.2

(25)

hikers

3. View of Funchal Harbor – Cristo Rei do Garajau Statue loop from Zona Velha

15.6km

05:05

690m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

Tips

Andreas Bikefan

July 8, 2024

The history of Funchal documents successive privateer attacks that took place over the centuries. To protect the integrity of the city, some forts were built to create an effective defensive perimeter. The São Tiago Fortress therefore served the same purpose. Currently, it is a very visited tourist attraction.

Dating from the early 17th century, this fort is strategically located above the seafront of the Old Town, the historic district of the city. Its construction began in mid-1614 under the responsibility of Reais Jerónimo Jorge, Master of Royal Constructions. It was later completed by his son Bartolomeu João.

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Mike B.

October 26, 2022

Restaurante O Portao, Travessa Portao 5, Funchal. A small, very good and inexpensive restaurant 👍

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1Fritz-Marc 🚴🥾🏊🌲

March 23, 2018

The Portuguese dominated in the North Atlantic, the defense of the island of Madeira was neglected. In 1566, the city fell victim to a devastating pirate attack, almost completely defenseless. The Fortaleza de Santiago was only built in 1614 to protect Funchal from pirates and it was then used for military purposes. Today this building is made available for cultural events.
Today there is a museum and an excellent restaurant with a terrace in a unique location. Cultural events of various character are constantly taking place here.

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Elevation 10 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 4 November

22°C

20°C

10 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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Location: Funchal (Santa Maria Maior)

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Fortress of Saint James

1. Hiking in Funchal — circular route on Madeira Island

2. View of Funchal Marina – Funchal Old Town loop from Ilhéus

3. View of Funchal Harbor – Cristo Rei do Garajau Statue loop from Zona Velha

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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