Fort Arraial do Bom Jesus, Heritage fort in Recife, Brazil.
Fort Arraial do Bom Jesus is a military stronghold in Recife built during the mid-17th century and positioned along Avenida do Forte. The structure retains stone walls and colonial-era military architectural details that reflect its role as a defensive installation.
The fort was built in 1645 as a replacement for an earlier structure and served as a strategic base for troops resisting Dutch occupation. It played a central role in defending Recife until the recovery of the city in 1654.
The site carries a name rooted in religious devotion and serves as a reminder of those who defended the region from invasion. Today it functions as a memorial space where the memory of resistance is kept alive for the community.
The fort remains are located within Parque Arraial Novo do Bom Jesus, a public square in Recife that is free to visit. The site is accessible on foot and open during daylight hours for visitors to explore the grounds.
The site served as the first seat of Brazilian military administration, where Francisco Barreto de Menezes exercised command from this location. This role as an early military center gives it special significance in the history of Brazilian armed institutions.
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