Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra, Colonial fortress and lighthouse in Barra district, Salvador, Brazil.
Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra is a colonial fortress with a hexagonal stone structure built to guard the entrance to All Saints Bay. A striped lighthouse stands at its center, and the surrounding courtyard contains original cannons and defensive features positioned to protect arriving ships.
Construction began in 1536 to defend the bay from maritime threats during the early colonial period. The lighthouse was added in 1698 to guide ships safely into the harbor, making it easier for trade and naval operations.
The Nautical Museum of Bahia inside displays maritime objects, shipwreck artifacts, and navigation tools that tell the story of the region's ocean trade. Visitors can see how sailing and fishing shaped daily life and commerce in this coastal settlement.
The fortress is open daily and allows visitors to explore both the courtyard and lighthouse tower at their own pace. The site is easy to reach on foot, with flat walkways inside and clear signage to help you navigate the structures.
For over a century, the military garrison assigned official ranks to Saint Anthony, promoting him from soldier to lieutenant colonel between 1705 and 1814. This unusual tradition reflected how soldiers felt a personal connection with their patron saint and honored him through military ceremony.
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