Taking up a prominent place in the Historical Centre of Machico, the Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo is the greatest symbol of the city's military architecture. Due to its heritage relevance, it is classified as a Property of Public Interest.
This triangular building is located between Largo Dr. José António d'Almeida, Rua do Mercado, and Alameda dos Plátanos. Its construction was commissioned in 1706 by Captain Francisco Dias Franco, a clerk at the Machico City Council. You can find this information on the regional stone plaque at the entrance to the fort, which is topped by the national coat of arms.
The façades of the Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo are topped by insular stonework merlons with a projecting cord. The landward façade has a hard stonework portal with a round arch. In turn, the building's terrace is partly landscaped, paved with typical pebbles and decorated with iron artillery weapons.
Throughout history, the Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo has been used for various purposes, such as Tax Guard Post, Tourist Office or the Municipal Culture Office. Today, it houses the European Office of Madeira and the headquarters of Machico's Municipal Assembly.
Built in 1706, in the centre of the city of Machico, the Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo is classified as a Property of Public Interest due to its historical and architectural relevance.
