Palácio de São Lourenço

Work on the fortress ran from 1529 to 1540, and the result was the first fortress Funchal had. It was raised to hold off pirate raids on the port, and it later became the residence of the island's governors. The complex is the principal example of civil and military architecture on Madeira, and it was classified as a National Monument in 1943.

It is not a ruin and not only a museum. Part of the building is the official residence of the Representative of the Republic. The rest is open: the grounds, a military museum and an exhibition on the history of the complex. Around it stand the waterfront, the shops and the restaurants of the city centre, so the old walls sit directly against the modern town.

• Entrance: the way in is at the side of the building, not from the sea front.
• Not all of it is a museum: part of the complex is the official residence of the Representative of the Republic and is closed to visitors.
• Audioguide: ask for it at the entrance. It is not offered automatically.
• Toilets: the public toilets nearby charge a fee.

Palácio de São Lourenço stands on the Funchal sea front, in the middle of the city centre. Buses stop directly in front of the building, and there are car parks within walking distance. Several of the surrounding streets are closed to traffic, so the last part of the approach is on foot in any case. The entrance is not on the sea front side. Walk round to the side of the building to get in.