Feitorias de Igaraçu e na Ilha de Itamaracá, Colonial fortress in Igaraçu and Itamaracá Island, Brazil
The Feitorias de Igaraçu e na Ilha de Itamaracá consist of two defensive structures positioned along the Santa Cruz Channel, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to mainland Pernambuco. These buildings were built during the early colonial period to serve both as trading facilities and military defense points for the region.
Portuguese authorities established these trading posts between 1516 and 1519 under Cristóvão Jaques to protect the Brazil wood trade and defend against French invasions. These installations marked the beginning of European presence along Brazil's northeastern coast.
The fortresses served as meeting places between Portuguese settlers and Tupiguarani people, as shown by archaeological remains of pottery from both cultures found at the sites. These objects offer insight into how two different worlds encountered each other at these locations.
The archaeological site is located on private property and accessible only with special permission required for visits and research activities. Contact the property owners in advance to arrange any planned visit to the location.
Archaeological excavations revealed structures buried as deep as 1.8 meters underground, containing rare artifacts from early interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples in northeastern Brazil. The remains beneath the surface offer evidence of a history rarely found elsewhere in the region.
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