Fortress of Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim

The Fortress of Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim is a stone military structure on an island off the Santa Catarina coast, featuring thick defensive walls, artillery positions, and gun emplacements. The complex includes soldier barracks with twelve arcades and a commander's house that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

The fortress was built in 1739 by Portuguese brigadier Jose da Silva Paes as part of a defensive network protecting the Santa Catarina coast from Spanish threats. The construction reflected colonial strategic planning during a period of territorial competition in South America.

The Federal University of Santa Catarina transformed this site into a museum where visitors encounter colonial military artifacts and learn about soldier life during the 18th century occupation. Walking through the barracks with their distinctive arcades, you experience how troops once lived within these stone walls.

The site is accessible only by boat, with regular departures from Florianopolis and Governador Celso Ramos throughout the year. Wear sturdy shoes as the grounds have uneven surfaces and touring the fortress involves substantial walking.

The fortress features a circular battery arrangement that allows 360-degree cannon coverage, a rare design feature for military fortifications of that era. This innovative layout meant defenders could respond to threats approaching from any direction across the water.