Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa

Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa is a colonial fortification on Santa Catarina Island built with thick stone walls that overlook Jurerê and Canasvieiras beaches from a hilltop position. The complex contains multiple structures from the original occupation period, including barracks, officer quarters, and administrative buildings that are accessible to visitors today.

Construction began in 1740 under Brigadier José da Silva Paes as one component of a triangular defense network protecting the Santa Catarina coast from seaborne threats. The fort served as a key military outpost throughout the colonial period and eventually came under management by UFSC, which preserves it as a public site.

Local artisans work in the former barracks, creating and selling traditional bobbin lace that connects visitors to regional handcraft skills passed down through generations. The presence of these craftspeople transforms the site into a living workshop where techniques are demonstrated and preserved.

The fort sits approximately 25 kilometers from downtown Florianópolis and functions as the only land-accessible fortification managed by UFSC in the region. The grounds remain open year-round, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace with generally accessible pathways and structures throughout the site.

The Commander's House displays findings from archaeological excavations, including artifacts that reveal daily eating habits and food sources used by those stationed at the fort during the colonial era. These discoveries offer rare insights into how residents actually lived and sustained themselves within the fortification walls.