Fortitude of Nossa Senhora

Gather 'round, travelers! Let me spin you a yarn about a fortress with a twist! Picture this: back in the day, when pirates were making life rough for Madeira, a smart cookie named Diogo Cabral had a lightbulb moment. He thought, "Hey, why not stick a fortress on Ilhéu Grande to keep those scallywags at bay?" So, they got cracking on it around the 17th century.

Now, this fortress wasn't just any old fortress. Nope, it was like the guardian angel of Funchal's harbor, watching over ships like a protective mama bird. But wait, here's the kicker: fast forward to today, and that fortress isn't just about cannons and defense anymore. Oh no! It's transformed into something way cooler—a Design Centre run by the one and only Nini Andrade Silva.

Yep, you heard that right! Inside those old stone walls, you'll find a hub of creativity and style. Think funky furniture, sleek sculptures, and mind-blowing designs. It's like stepping into a whole new world where history meets modern flair. So, if you're into history with a side of chic, this place is an absolute must-see!

And hey, even if you're not a design buff, the views alone are worth the visit. Trust me, folks, it's like getting a front-row seat to Mother Nature's masterpiece. So, what are you waiting for? Come on down and experience the magic of this fortress-turned-design haven. You won't regret it! Oh yeah and on the way you can also pay a short visit to a A self-proclaimed Principaity by self-styled Prince D. Renato Barros the Second called Principado da Pontinha.