The iconic Nossa Senhora da Conceição fortress, where Madeira discoverer João Gonçalves Zarco once resided, is currently home to the Nini Andrade Silva Design Centre.

This space has a permanent exhibition area with pieces from the private collection of Nini Andrade Silva that document the designer’s work and career, as well as some of the awards she has won, which explain the history and culture of the island and its strong ties to the sea.

The fortress is also home to a shop that sells articles created by the designer, a cafeteria and a restaurant by Chef Miguel Laffan.

The Design Centre aims to serve as a centre of development and innovation, a place where artistic expression and new ideas can meet in perfect symbiosis.

The fantastic view from the fortress is not to be missed.