Fortaleza de São José de Macapá

Fortaleza de São José de Macapá is a Portuguese fortress at the Amazon River mouth with four corner bastions, a moat, and outer ramparts protecting multiple courtyards. Inside are barracks, military buildings, and interconnected covered passages that sheltered soldiers from the tropical climate.

Construction began in 1764 under Italian engineer Henrique António Galuzzi and was completed in 1782, creating a strategic post at the Amazon mouth. The project relied on indigenous and enslaved laborers to build this frontier defense structure.

The interior spaces reveal how soldiers and officers lived and worked within the fortress, with a chapel, barracks, and storage areas still visible today. Walking through these rooms gives a sense of daily military life at this remote outpost.

The fortress is located in downtown Macapá and open to visitors daily with guided tours and exhibitions available. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven ground and plan to visit during cooler morning hours if possible, as tropical heat can be intense.

The fortress stands at 0°01′52″N latitude, sitting practically on the equatorial line itself and making it one of the few military structures positioned directly on this geographical marker. This location allows visitors to stand on the actual equator while exploring its walls and courtyards.

Location: Macapá

Inception: 1998

Part of: Forts of Brazil

Email: fortalezasjm@secult.ap.gov.br

GPS coordinates: 0.03106,-51.04913

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01