Fortaleza e Palácio de São Lourenço (Saint Lawrence Fortress), Funchal

Funchal's initial fortress was constructed between 1529 and 1540 in response to an incident in which a boat moored in the harbor of Funchal was plundered, following the entreaties of the local population. However, the fortification, which was finished in the latter half of the 16th century, was inadequate for all of the necessary fortification requirements, and as a result, it was easily overcome by French pirates in 1566.

Numerous alterations, extensions, and improvements were made to the primitive original structure in the following years until the 19th century, resulting in Saint Lawrence Fortress and Palace (Fortaleza e Palácio de São Lourenço), which is still standing today, and is one of the finest examples of Portuguese fortification from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Saint Lawrence Fortress initially served as a dwelling for many island captains and governors before gradually evolving into a national residential palace. It was designated a National Monument in August of 1943 and now functions as the residence of the Prime Minister of the Autonomous Region and the Military Command.

The fortress presently houses a permanent exhibit, which was created by the Military Command and opened in July of 1993 and pertains to the history and growth of the fortress. The National Palace within the fortress can be visited after scheduling an appointment with the office of the Prime Minister.