Ilha do Presídio, Historical islet in Guaíba Lake, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Ilha do Presídio is an islet in Guaíba Lake in Porto Alegre featuring two main structures: the Guard Building and the Prison Building with military design elements. The structures reflect functional design built for maximum security purposes.
From 1857 to 1860 the islet served as Porto Alegre's gunpowder storage facility, before becoming a maximum security prison in the 1950s. This shift reflects the city's changing needs across more than a century.
The site held over one hundred political prisoners between 1964 and 1973 during Brazil's military dictatorship, making it a symbol of resistance for many Brazilians. People today view it as a reminder of that difficult period in the country's past.
The islet is not open to regular visitors, but its structures can be viewed from boat tours departing from Porto Alegre's waterfront. It is best to check for available tours before heading to the harbor area.
The islet has carried three different names throughout history: Ilha do Presídio, Ilha das Pedras Brancas, and Ilha da Pólvora, each reflecting its changing purpose. Each name tells a chapter of the site's story.
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