Forte dos Reis Magos, Fort in Santos Reis, Natal, Brazil

Forte dos Reis Magos is a star-shaped fort built on a coral formation at the mouth of the Potengi River, connected to the mainland by a long walkway. The structure features thick stone walls with corner bastions surrounding a central courtyard and several interior buildings.

Construction began on 6 January 1598, Epiphany, with a circular indigenous-style palisade of stakes and rammed earth; the fort's name comes from that feast day. The stone-and-lime fort, rebuilt from 1614 to a design by engineer Francisco de Frias da Mesquita, was held by the Dutch as Kasteel Keulen from 1633 to 1654. It was listed by IPHAN in 1949 and reopened on 25 December 2021 after restoration.

The name comes from 6 January 1598, Epiphany, when a circular palisade of stakes and rammed earth was begun at the beach camp. The Dutch held the fort from December 1633 to February 1654 as Castelo Ceulen, after Matthijs van Ceulen. Inside, the chapel occupies the ground floor of the central two-storey building, with the powder house above it.

You reach the fort by walking along a long pathway from the beach, which can be affected by tidal conditions and weather. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as there is minimal shade inside the structure.

The Dutch held the fort from December 1633 to February 1654 as Kasteel Keulen, named after Matthijs van Ceulen of the West India Company. Maurits of Nassau had it repaired in 1638, and his 1638 report notes that the surrounding dunes were high enough for besiegers to fire into the terrace.