Fortress of Santa Cruz
Fortress of Santa Cruz, Military fortress in Jurujuba, Niterói, Brazil
Description
The Fortress of Santa Cruz da Barra stands at the entrance of Guanabara Bay with thick stone walls and multiple defensive positions overlooking the ocean. The structure includes dungeons, chambers, and chapels that visitors can explore throughout the site.
History
The fortress was founded in 1555 during colonial times and received major expansions after 1557 when Portuguese forces reclaimed it from French invaders. These transformations reflected changing defense needs.
Culture
The fortress displays Portuguese military design through its chambers, dungeons, and Chapel of Santa Barbara, which visitors can still see today. These spaces reflect the skills and beliefs that shaped colonial life here.
Practical
Visitors can explore the fortress on most days and see the defensive structures, underground areas, and historical spaces. It is best to wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and some staircases are steep.
Did you know?
The fortress served at times as a prison for political detainees from the colonial and independence periods. Its last cannon fire occurred in 1955 at a warship, marking the end of its military service.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Niterói).
Sugarloaf Mountain
4.4 km
Niterói Contemporary Art Museum
5 km
Caminho Niemeyer
5 km
Fortaleza de São João
4.5 km
Tamandaré da Laje Fort
3.9 km
Morro Cara de Cão
4.2 km
Solar do Jambeiro
5.5 km
Palácio do Ingá
5.4 km
Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca Hill Natural Monument
4.7 km
Fort of Saint Louis
2 km
Fort of Gragoatá
5.8 km
Pedra de Itapuca
5.1 km
Pedra do Índio
5.1 km
Museu Antônio Parreiras
5.6 km
Igreja de São Francisco Xavier
3.8 km
Museu do Ingá
5.4 km
Jambeiro Manor
5.5 km
Fortaleza de Santa Cruz Lighthouse
2.6 km
Janete Costa Museum
5.5 km
Church of the Intercession of the Theotokos
5.4 km
Hospital Marítimo de Santa Isabel
2.4 km
Praia de Fora
4.5 km
Praia da Urca
5.2 km
Morro da Urca
5.2 km
Mouth of Guanabara Bay and Manmade Shorelines – Flamengo Park, Historic Forts of Niterói, Sugar Loaf Natural Monument, Copacabana Seafront
3.9 km
Escalada do Costão
4 km
Capela da Ilha de Boa Viagem
4.8 km
Chalé da Western Telegraph
5.5 kmDiscover 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