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São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress: A Coastal Sentinel

Explore a historic Brazilian fortress with stunning coastal views on Florianópolis Island.

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The São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress, built in 1740, stands as a historic sentinel on Florianópolis' Praia do Forte. Part of a strategic defense system, it offers panoramic coastal views and a glimpse into Brazil's colonial past.

A brief summary to São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress

  • Monday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the fortress's uneven terrain.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as shade is limited.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Check the weather forecast, as the fortress is primarily an outdoor attraction.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Jurerê Internacional beach.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the center of Florianópolis, take a bus to the Canasvieiras Integration Terminal (TICAN). From TICAN, take a bus heading to Praia do Forte. The bus will drop you off near the entrance to the beach. From there, it's a short walk to the fortress. The single bus fare is approximately R$4.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (such as Uber) are readily available in Florianópolis. A taxi ride from the city center to the fortress will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between R$67 and R$73. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Praia do Forte, follow the signs towards the fortress. You can walk along the beach and then take a small trail on the right side of the beach that leads directly to the entrance of the fortress. The walk is short but involves a slight incline.

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Discover more about São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress

Perched atop a rocky hill on the northern coast of Florianópolis, the São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress is a captivating journey into Brazil's colonial history. Constructed between 1740 and 1744, the fortress formed a crucial part of a defensive triangle, guarding the island against potential invasions. Ordered by Brigadier José da Silva Paes, the fortress controlled the vessels that reached the coast of Santa Catarina, being strategically located halfway between the port of Rio de Janeiro and the Colônia do Santíssimo Sacramento in Rio da Prata. Its architecture features several constructive elements distributed across three staggered terraces. In 1765, the São Caetano Battery was built 200 meters from the Fortress to complement the defense of its east flank. Visitors can explore the well-preserved architecture, including the troop barracks (now home to lace artisans), the Commander's House (exhibiting archaeological finds), and the Powder Magazine (displaying the fortress's restoration history). The Chapel of São José, the first structure restored by the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), is still used by the local community. The fortress provides stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Managed by UFSC since 1989, the fortress was listed as National Historical and Artistic Heritage in 1938 and restored in 1992 and 2023.

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