Fort of Saint Antony of Gurupá, Portuguese fortress in Gurupá, Brazil
The Fort of Saint Antony of Gurupá is a fortification on a rocky elevation at the confluence of the Xingu and Amazon rivers, featuring stone walls and a polygonal structure. The complex includes multiple levels adapted to the natural terrain, with access routes formed by staircases and gates.
Dutch forces built the original fortification between 1601 and 1619 until Portuguese commander Bento Maciel Parente captured and rebuilt it in 1623. This transition marked the beginning of Portuguese control over the region and their lasting presence in the Amazon.
The fort houses a museum with archaeological finds from excavations that tell the story of colonial conflicts and military presence in the Amazon. These artifacts give visitors a sense of the daily life and struggles that unfolded at this remote outpost.
Visitors enter through an iron gate and climb a stone staircase to reach the fortification, which remains under the jurisdiction of the Brazilian Ministry of Defense. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the stairs are steep and the rocky ground can be uneven throughout the site.
The fortification proved difficult to defend because ships could easily bypass its cannons by navigating through the numerous islands and river channels in the area. This geographical challenge meant the site required multiple reconstructions and reinforcements to become truly effective.
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