Fortaleza de São José de Macapá
Fortaleza de São José de Macapá, Portuguese fortress at the mouth of the Amazon River in Macapá, Brazil.
The square fortification features four corner bastions, a moat, external ramparts, and covered walkways protecting the curtain walls and military structures.
Construction of the fortress began in 1764 under Italian engineer Henrique António Galuzzi and concluded in 1782, using labor from indigenous people and enslaved Africans.
The fortress contains historical structures including officers' quarters, a chapel, ammunition storage, a hospital, and currently houses the Joaquim Caetano da Silva Museum.
Located in downtown Macapá, the fortress opens daily for guided tours, offering visitors access to military architecture and historical exhibitions.
The fortress stands at coordinates 0°01′52″N latitude, making it one of the few military structures positioned directly on the equatorial line.
Location: Macapá
Inception: 1998
Part of: Forts of Brazil
Email: fortalezasjm@secult.ap.gov.br
GPS coordinates: 0.03106,-51.04913
Latest update: May 27, 2025 10:05
Brazilian architectural heritage reflects centuries of history, from colonial fortifications to contemporary structures. In São Paulo, the Flag Monument pays tribute to colonial expeditions, while in Belém, the Peace Theater recalls the prosperity of the rubber era. In Curitiba, the Oscar Niemeyer Museum showcases modern Brazilian architecture, and in Rio de Janeiro, the National Library holds over 9 million works in a neoclassical building. This collection brings together diverse sites that tell the story of the country’s development: military fortresses like São José de Macapá from the 18th century, cultural institutions like the Museum of Tomorrow focused on environmental issues, and managed natural spaces such as the Curitiba Botanical Garden. These sites offer an exploration of Brazil's history, architecture, and culture.
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