Fort of Saint Antony Além‐do‐Carmo, Cultural center and fort in Salvador, Brazil
The Fort of Saint Antony Além-do-Carmo is a fortification with two bastions positioned at Salvador's northern boundary, overlooking the coastal area. The structure sits at Largo de Santo Antonio Além do Carmo and integrates military architecture with contemporary cultural spaces.
The fortification originated as a Dutch trench in 1624 and was transformed into a permanent stone structure by Portuguese authorities between 1627 and 1635. In 1830, the building was repurposed as a state prison that subsequently housed captives from the uprising of 1835.
The site has hosted capoeira schools since the 1980s, which operate alongside a specialized library dedicated to this Brazilian martial art. The spaces reflect how the location has become a living center for transmitting this combat tradition to new generations.
The site is easily accessible and located at a central square in Salvador, making it straightforward to visit. It is best to come during daytime hours to fully explore the structure and spaces while taking advantage of the activities offered.
The building contains remnants from three distinct periods of use: Dutch fortifications, Portuguese stonework, and elements from its time as a prison. These layers tell the story of the site's shifting roles across more than 200 years.
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