The magnificent complex, the Saint Lawrence Fortress and Palace (São Lourenço) celebrates its 500th anniversary in a few years. Despite its respectable age, it is surprisingly well preserved. Its appearance, with thick fortress-like walls, round towers, proximity to water, unmistakably shows the purpose of the building – protection against attacks. The first fortress was built on this site in 1529. Probably the defenders were very worried when they could not resist the attack of pirates in 1566, The town and its inhabitants suffered terribly. Therefore, it was decided to expand the fortress and equip it with the most powerful weapons at that time: work on the construction, expansion, and equipping of the fortress with cannons and muskets had continued until 1600. One of the cannons, as well as the entire complex later, was named after St. Lawrence. After the construction of the fortress had been completed, it was decided to add a palace to the fortress! By the middle of the 19th century, the military governor-general of the island moved into a completely new apartment. Civilians and military men easily got along on the same territory, especially since the island had been ruled by the military until 1835. After the civilian government came to power, secular life began to grow incrementally, and soon the military was evicted to the eastern part of the complex. The palace was renovated, richly furnished, and became the center of the island, holding balls, social and diplomatic receptions. Besides, there is still a real military unit and a military museum, displaying small arms, uniforms, military maps, and photos.

Under the monarchy, the Palace of Saint Lawrence served as the Madeiran residence for the royal family. Today, the palace houses the residences of the Minister of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the Governor. But some of the premises are open to visitors. The most impressive hall is the ballroom, decorated with furniture and art objects in the style of Louis XVI. Photography inside the palace is banned due to the defensive function of the fortress and the high-ranking civilians stationed there. You can take pictures outside. For example, in a charming courtyard with flower beds and benches, lined with traditional Madeiran black and white volcanic paving stones.