Porto Novo Fortress — Local services in Santa Cruz

It was the last bastion of liberal forces (in the conflict between liberal constitutionalists and conservative absolutists) in the 'Battle of the Voltas' in the year 1829.

In an initial clash, the liberal troops managed, from this fort, to push back the front of the invading army, halting their advance. However, the Miguelist/absolutist navy bombarded the 'Fort of Porto Novo,' and a cannon shot hit the powder storehouse, causing a powerful explosion, followed by another at a different position. This resulted in great confusion among the Madeiran positions, with some casualties, including Schwalback and Pedro Jorge.

Unfortunately, today this military fortress, a stage for historical events, is abandoned.

This place, in ruins, has been taken over by native vegetation (such as euphorbia piscatoria, etc.), but it's still a spot with great views of the...

Built in 1827 by the then governor and captain-general of Madeira and Porto Santo, José Travassos Valdez. It was still under construction, when Miguelista troops took the island the following year in 1828 when it was damaged by the explosion of an ammunition crate. The building was then left to let...

Wasn't easy to find and disappointed...