History of Madeira Photo Gallery

The fortress of San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist) better known as the Fortaleza do Pico, is located in the parish of St. Peter and commands spectacular views over Funchal and the sea beyond. It is generally thought that the structure was designed by Mateus Fernandes III. In the 20th century many antennas were installed for, what was to become, Naval Station Radiotelegraph Funchal. Accordingly, the locals affectionately began to call the fort, Pico Radio. Today it houses a museum that is open daily.