Forte Marechal Hermes, Coastal fortress in Macaé, Brazil.
Forte Marechal Hermes is a coastal fortress built at the mouth of the Macaé River, sitting between two beaches and facing the islands offshore. The site consists of multiple connected structures including gun emplacements, covered areas for protection, and buildings arranged across different elevation levels.
Construction of the fortress began in the late 1800s with an octagonal battery design to defend the river entrance. It received its current name in 1911 to honor a Brazilian president and was later expanded with additional structures.
The fortress complex reflects how its spaces were organized for daily military operations, with different structures serving specific functions across the site. Walking through reveals how soldiers once moved between the various buildings and positions.
Visitors should expect slippery surfaces, especially after rain, and wear solid footwear to safely navigate the grounds. Shade is limited on the site, so bringing sun protection and plenty of water is advisable.
An underground tunnel system connects different structures and allowed soldiers to move between positions during enemy attacks without exposure. These hidden passages can still be seen today and reveal the fortress's defensive strategy.
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