Rio’s colonial military installations, found in strategic points around the city such as Guanabara bay and the hills, provide different perspectives of the cityscape where you can contemplate picture postcard views and over 450 years of history. The cultural landscape is punctuated of imposing fortifications that have resisted the passage of time and are excellent places to sightsee for people of all ages.
It was on the 1st March 1565, when the Potruguese Estacio de Sa founded The City of Sao Sebastião of Rio de Janeiro. The auspicious moment took place between Sugarloaf Mountain and neighbouring hill Cara de Cão in what is today the neighbourhood of Urca which is where this fort that overlooks Guanabara Bay was built, a true architectural gem.
At one end of Rio’s world-famous beach stands the century-old fort with a magnificent At the other end of Copacabana beach is the Forte do Leme as it is better known even though it is still not very often visited. It is worth making the 30-minute ascent up the cobbled path to take in the neighbourhood’s coastline as well as Sugarloaf and neighbouring Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) from this rare viewpoint. Aside from these picture-postcard views, there are beautiful views to take in as you go up the hill’s winding path. The fort dates back to 1722.view back over Copacabana’s famous stretch of white sand. There are various attractions to be found there: the Museu Histórico, exhibitions and musical performances and of course the Cafe do Forte an extension of the renowned Confeitaria Colombo in downtown Rio, and where you can treat yourself to an excellent brunch.
At the other end of Copacabana beach is the Forte do Leme as it is better known even though it is still not very often visited. It is worth making the 30-minute ascent up the cobbled path to take in the neighbourhood’s coastline as well as Sugarloaf and neighbouring Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) from this rare viewpoint. Aside from these picture-postcard views, there are beautiful views to take in as you go up the hill’s winding path. The fort dates back to 1722.
It is just a short trip across Guanabara Bay over the bridge or by boat to arrive in Niterói and visit Rio’s oldest and most impressive fortification, built in 1555 by the French. It was the first point of defense and today it still houses the original torture rooms, cells and canons used during that period. Visits are conducted by specially trained military personnel.
Our tip is to make the trip up to the fort by foot, starting on Ladeira João Homem, so you can get to know the winding streets and alleys of Morro da Conceição, lined with its charming old houses. It is considered the Santa Teresa of the city’s Port District. The fort stands at the top of the hill and dating back to 1713 it is an opportunity to go back in time. Visits have to be booked and include a tour of the fort’s courtyard, chapel
and dungeons where political prisoners were kept such as the leaders of the notorious failed separatist movement in 1789, the Inconfidência Mineira.
Address
: Rua Major Daemon, 81, Saúde
Phone
: +55 (21) 2223-2177
Schedule:
Mon 07:00 às 16:00, Tue 07:00 às 16:00, Wed 07:00 às 16:00, Thu 07:00 às 16:00, Fri 07:00 às 12:00
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