Forte de Santo Inácio de Tamandaré, Colonial fortress in Tamandaré, Brazil.
Forte de Santo Inácio de Tamandaré is a colonial fortress with a square design and corner bastions that overlook the bay. Thick stone walls form the main structure, and inside sits the Tamandaré Lighthouse, which has been operating since 1902.
Portuguese forces built this coastal fortress in the 17th century to defend against Dutch invasions and pirate attacks. It played a key role in protecting the Pernambuco coast during a period of colonial conflict.
The chapel inside is dedicated to Saint Ignatius and shows how military and religious life mixed in colonial times. Visitors can see how faith shaped the daily practices of those who lived and worked at this coastal stronghold.
The site is supervised by the Brazilian Navy and open for visits. Wear sturdy shoes since the stone structures and paths can be uneven.
The fortress once served as a transit prison for political detainees being sent to the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. This lesser-known role reveals how the site was involved in different chapters of Brazilian history beyond its military purpose.
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