São Tiago Fortress was built in 1614 in order to protect citizens and the port from enemy invasions. The fort was named in honor of the patron saint of the city of Funchal - Apostle James Jr., who is also called James the son. Every year on May 1 in Funchal is a holiday of this saint. On this day, the old part of the city of Funchal is a festive procession, namely the street of Santa Maria and the Corpo Santo Square. Celebration of last 4 days. During all holidays there is music, organized entertainment. This tradition began in the XVI century, when in 1538 in the city of the plague. The city's population died out, people are desperately praying to St. James the Younger and the plague began to move away.

Fort Sao Tiago is located in the old part of Funchal, which is called the Zona Velha. Since the XV century, Portugal is almost completely controlled the sea routes across the Atlantic Ocean, the inhabitants of the island did not need special protection. It is because of this negligence in 1566 Funchal suffered pirate attacks, which killed many residents. And only in 1614, in order to prevent other attacks, a fort was built by San Tiago to protect Funchal by corsairs. In 1767 the fort was expanded and served exclusively for military purposes to the present day. Since 1992, the regional government of Madeira decided to use the fort for cultural purposes.

Today, the fort is located on the territory of the Museum of Modern Art and a restaurant with a terrace offering stunning views of the surrounding area of ​​Funchal.