Fort Pontael, Military fortification in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil
Fort Pontael is a stone fortress in Cabo de Santo Agostinho with a heptagonal layout positioned about 29 meters above sea level. The site displays remains of defensive structures, powder magazines, and quarters that reflect its military purpose.
The fort was built to protect a vital anchorage during the Dutch invasion of Brazil in the 17th century. It changed hands between Portuguese and Dutch forces several times between 1630 and 1654.
The fort remains mark the location where Spanish navigator Vicente Yanez Pinzon first spotted Brazilian territory on January 26, 1500.
Access is through the village of Nazare via the PE-28 highway. The grounds are relatively open, making it easy to explore the ruins from different vantage points.
The Dutch renamed it Fort van der Dussen during their occupation. A small garrison of around 196 men in two companies kept watch over the Suape and Ipojuca rivers from this position.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Porto de Galinhas beach
17.5 km
Ricardo Brennand Institute
32.5 km
Instituto Ricardo Brennand
32.4 km
Basilica and Convent of Nossa Senhora do Carmo
33.2 km
Parque Dona Lindu
24.5 km
Praia de Maracaípe
19.1 km
Casa de Detenção
33.1 km
Praia de Calhetas
1.4 km
Forte das Cinco Pontas
32.6 km
Mercado de São José
33 km
Church of Our Lady of Joy
22.9 km
Gaibu beach
8 km
Jardim Botânico do Recife
31.2 km
Praia do Pina
30.1 km
Cais José Estelita
32 km
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rock, Recife
33 km
Hospital Pedro II
32.8 km
Igreja do Divino Espírito Santo
33.3 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Livramento dos Homens Pardos
33.1 km
Ponte 6 de Março
33.1 km
Museu do Trem
33 km
Bita e Utinga Ecological Station
13.3 km
Phare de Santo Agostinho
630 m
Ponte Estaiada da Via Mangue
30.9 km
UCI Kinoplex Recife Shopping
27 km
UCI Kinoplex DeLux Recife
26.9 km
Cinemark RioMar Shopping Recife
30.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes