Fort of Saint John the Baptist (Porto Moniz)
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Key Facts
- Replica of an 18th-century fortification, originally built to defend against pirates.
- Located in the picturesque parish of Porto Moniz, on Madeira's north coast.
- Houses the Madeira Aquarium, featuring 12 exhibition tanks.
- One of the aquarium tanks holds 500,000 liters of saltwater.
- The aquarium showcases over 90 indigenous Madeiran marine species.
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Forte de São João Baptista (Porto Moniz) is a replica of the original 1730 fortification built to protect the city from pirate attacks, which were common in that era. In 1998, the Porto Moniz municipality acquired the ruins of the Forte de São João Baptista, and two years later, began the restoration work, preserving the remaining exterior walls and reusing the existing stone to restore the original construction. Inside, there is now an Aquarium of Madeira.
Google Reviews
We went there yesterday and it was wonderful. The parking lots were limited because of the weather warning and the waves that came over but with a bit of luck we found a free one and went to see this beautiful pice of nature. U could say it’s straight out of a google windows screensaver.
In this place, the ocean has a divine color. Highly recommended.
Interesting historical building, contains the aquarium of Porto Moniz.
A small old fort, at a strategic point, that will enable you to enjoy the beautiful panorama (and take some photos). All you need is a few minutes.
Gorgeous pics here.
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