Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Araçatuba

The Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Araçatuba sits on Araçatuba Island at the southern entrance of the Santa Catarina channel. The structure features thick stone walls, elevated gun positions, and a series of battery points positioned to control the water passage.

The fortress was built between 1742 and 1744 under Brigadier José da Silva Paes and formed part of a Portuguese defense system in southern Brazil. It served as a key strategic position for protecting Portuguese interests along this important maritime route.

The fortress displays typical Portuguese military architecture with stone fortifications and elevated gun emplacements. The site was recognized as national heritage in 1980 and preserves the building methods of colonial Portugal.

Access to the island is by boat from nearby beaches, with local fishermen providing transportation services. Travel depends on weather conditions and sea state, so plan with flexibility.

After 1937, the structure was used as a target for Brazilian Navy shooting exercises, causing substantial damage to the original walls. Evidence of this bombardment remains visible on the fortress today.