Fort Copacabana, Military fortress in Copacabana, Brazil
Fort Copacabana is a military fortress at the southern end of Copacabana Beach. It houses two armored cupolas with large Krupp cannons and functions today as an Army museum displaying exhibitions on Brazilian military history from colonial times forward.
Built and completed in 1914, the fortress was designed to protect Rio de Janeiro's harbor entrance during the tense geopolitical climate of the early 1900s. It reflects the defense strategies that coastal nations needed to keep their waters secure during that era.
The name comes from Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, a saint venerated in the region. Today visitors can walk through spaces that shaped how Brazil defended itself and see artifacts that tell stories of those who worked here.
Plan your visit during dry weather, as some areas become slippery when wet. Wear comfortable shoes since there are multiple staircases and the path to the gun cupolas involves several steps.
The structure features thick walls equipped with an intricate gear and pulley system that powered the gun turrets and moved ammunition throughout the fort. This engineering showcases how early 1900s designers solved practical problems for keeping such installations operational.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Rio de Janeiro is more than a city; it is a living backdrop. Between mountains and sea, the Brazilian metropolis showcases its most famous landscapes: Christ the Redeemer overlooking Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf shining in the sun, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches where music and sand never sleep. But Rio...
Carlos Drummond de Andrade statue at Copacabana
299 mArpoador Park
437 mPraia do Diabo
259 m
Garota de Ipanema
483 m
Abrahan Medina
166 m
Santa Sara
461 mPonta de Copacabana
475 m
Caramanchão do Parque Garota de Ipanema
500 mAo Levante do Forte
35 mSiqueira Campos no Forte de Copacabana
39 m
Oratório à São Pedro de Copacabana
146 m
Conjunto Copacabana
191 m
Dorival Caymmi
157 m
Marco da Inauguração da Duplicação de Copacabana
237 m
Serena, Dama do Mar - Iemanjá
196 m
A Millôr Fernandes
522 m
Oratório do Sagrado Coração de Maria e de Jesus.
498 m
Rei Alberto I
518 mMuseu Histórico do Exército e Forte de Copacabana
129 mEstátua de Carlos Drummond de Andrade
307 mPraia do Forte
44 mPraia do Forte
248 mRoi Albert Ier de Belgique
512 mWork of art, sculpture, bench, memorial
495 mWork of art, sculpture
210 mScenic viewpoint
506 mScenic viewpoint
534 mScenic viewpoint
520 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes