The Santa Clara Convent was founded by João Gonçalves da Câmara, the 2nd captain of Funchal in the 15th century. The construction of this building started in 1492 and the first nuns who lived in this Convent arrived there in 1497. The Santa Clara Convent was born around a small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição that it was enlarged progressively.

The girls convents had an important role in the 16th and 17th century, as noble families could keep their daughters secure until they find a good marriage for them. For the widows it was also the best option to live in the convent as they could preserve their moral, religion and economy.

The Santa Clara Convent is an authentic heritage jewel as it was built to be a Convent and 500 years later it still is a Franciscan Order convent.

Photo by Miguel Fagundes

In the 16th century Madeira was an island with a very busy port where the exports of sugarcane sugar and wine were fundamental to its economy. Especially during the Spanish occupation (1580-1640) and with threats of attacks from pirates and enemies of Portugal and Spain, the king started to construct some defensive buildings to protect the city of Funchal.

The main fortresses were made or concluded during the Fillip’s territory domain. In Funchal he finished the fortress and palace of São Lourenço, fronting on the quays of the city and the one of São Tiago, at the extreme east of the Old City. The ones he started to build were the fortresses of Pico, on a hill that rises from the north part of Funchal and on the harbour the fortress of Ilhéu, to control the ships movements.

São Lourenço's Palace

Photo by Miguel Fagundes


Fortress of São Tiago

Photo by Miguel Fagundes


Fortress of Pico

Photo by Duarte Sousa


Fortress of Ilhéu

Photo by Miguel Fagundes

In Madeira Archipelago there are 13 major lighthouses, 7 in Madeira island, 2 in Porto Santo, 2 in Desertas islands and 2 in Selvagens islands.

The first lighthouse established in Madeira is the one in Ponta de São Lourenço, at the top of the islet. With a 10 meters high tower, its construction begun in 1867 and ended in 1870. Since 1983 this lighthouse does not need anyone full-time, as it is remotely controlled and since 2000 it is powered by solar power and its light can reach 20 miles distance.

The São Lourenço lighthouse is considered Cultural Heritage by the Portuguese Navy.

Photo by Hugo Romano

São Vicente is a village at sea level on the North of Madeira, just on the mouth of a valley. Just beyond the village, at the entrance of the valley, is a dark, cross-crowned rock, where the interior has been hollowed into a curious shrine dedicated to the saint patron of the valey. A door, facing the landward side opens into the chapel. This little Ermida was constructed in 1692 and on St. John's Day a mass is celebrated within its walls.

Photo by Catarina Fagundes