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Fortaleza de Santo Antônio de Ratones: A Coastal Fortress with a Storied Past

Explore an 18th-century fortress on a scenic island, offering history, stunning views, and a glimpse into Brazil's colonial past.

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Located on Ratones Grande Island in Florianópolis, Brazil, the Fortaleza de Santo Antônio de Ratones is an 18th-century fortress that played a crucial role in the defense of Santa Catarina Island. Accessible by boat, this historical landmark offers visitors a glimpse into Brazil's colonial past and stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

A brief summary to Fortaleza de Santo Antonio de Ratones

  • Ilha de Ratones Grande s/n Baía Norte, Florianópolis, Santo Antônio de Lisboa, State of Santa Catarina, BR
  • +55483721-8302
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and exploring the fortress.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities on the island.
  • Check the weather conditions before your visit, as boat trips may be affected by adverse weather.
  • Consider purchasing the double ticket for access to both Fortaleza de Santo Antônio de Ratones and Fortaleza de Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    The only way to reach Fortaleza de Santo Antônio de Ratones is by boat. Several tour operators offer trips from various points in Florianópolis, including near the Hercílio Luz Bridge, Trapiche da Beira Mar Norte, and Canasvieiras beach. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Sambaqui beach, about 15 km from the city center. Boat tours typically last around six hours. Expect to pay around R$45 per person for the tour. Some local boatmen offer crossings from Sambaqui beach for approximately R$8 per person. Confirm the return trip details with the boatman before disembarking. Admission to the fortress is R$8 (full) and R$4 (half price with ID). A double ticket for both Ratones and Anhatomirim fortresses costs R$10 (full) and R$5 (half price with ID).

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Discover more about Fortaleza de Santo Antonio de Ratones

The Fortaleza de Santo Antônio de Ratones, situated on Ratones Grande Island, is a historical gem in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Constructed in the 18th century, the fortress was part of a strategic defense system designed to protect the island from invasions. Together with the fortresses of Anhatomirim and São José da Ponta Grossa, it formed a triangular defense system to secure the northern entrance of the island. The fortress, initially named Ilha dos Ratos (Island of Rats) by explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, got its name because the island resembled the shape of a mouse. Construction began in 1740 under the leadership of Brigadier José da Silva Pais, the first governor of the Captaincy of Santa Catarina. The fortress was completed four years later. It was armed with thirteen cannons. During the Spanish invasion in 1777, the fortress fired four shots at the enemy fleet but was ultimately captured. After the Treaty of Idelfonso returned the island to the Portuguese Crown, the fortress was largely abandoned. In 1893, during the Federalist Revolution, the fortress was briefly used as a shelter for rebels. Later, the Brazilian Navy repurposed it as a lazaretto, a quarantine station for people with contagious diseases, until the 20th century. In 1938, it was listed as a National Historic and Artistic Heritage site. The Fortaleza de Santo Antônio de Ratones underwent restoration by the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in 1991 as part of the “Fortresses of the Island of Santa Catarina Project”. Further restoration took place in 2023. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved structures, including the Commander's House, troop barracks, officers' quarters, powder magazine, guardhouse, and a charming chapel. The island also features a lush Atlantic Forest, offering a trail for ecological tourism and environmental education. The main buildings, including the Portada (Gate), the Fonte D'Água (Water Fountain), and the Aqueduct, are aligned on a single upper level, facing the sea.

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