Principado da Pontinha
This one is to good to be true! A self-proclaimed Principality by self-styled Prince Barros II :-)
Area
Funchal
Type
Fortress
Entrance Fees
FREE
Number as seen on Map
#33 on Map
Description
The Principality of Pontinha, also known as the Principality of Ilhéu da Pontinha, is a self-proclaimed micronation located on a 178-square-meter rock, 70 meters off the coast of Funchal, Madeira Island. It used to be named Forte Sao Jose.
The self-proclaimed Principality is the brainchild of the owner of the islet, the self-styled Prince D. Renato Barros II, Prince of Ilhéu da Pontinha and Elector of Portugal.
In 2007, the Principality had one citizen, Renato Barros himself, though he doesn't reside there. By 2014, according to Barros, the citizens included himself, his wife, and their two children.
On September 25, 2017, Renato Barros was forced to leave Fort São José, the micronation's former headquarters, which was sold three days earlier to emigrants during bankruptcy proceedings.
Opening Hours
Open every day - but you might show your passport :-) Just kidding country has no boarder petrol at all.
Location
32.641241056061375
-16.917478835171583