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Forte Orange: A Dutch Legacy on Itamaracá Island

Explore a 17th-century Dutch fort on a beautiful island, offering history, culture, and stunning coastal views in Pernambuco, Brazil.

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Forte Orange, also known as Fortaleza de Santa Cruz de Itamaracá, is a historical fort on Itamaracá Island, Pernambuco, Brazil. Built by the Dutch in 1631 and later rebuilt by the Portuguese, it stands as a testament to the region's colonial past and offers visitors a glimpse into 17th-century military architecture and history.

A brief summary to Forte Orange - Fortaleza de Santa Cruz de Itamaracá

  • Acesso ao Forte Orange, s/nº, Ac. ao Forte Orange, Itamaracá, Forte Orange, State of Pernambuco, BR
  • Visit website
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Coroa do Avião, a nearby sandbank accessible by boat from Praia do Forte Orange.
  • Explore the craft shop to find unique, locally made souvenirs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Recife, take a bus to Itamaracá Island. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once on the island, local buses or taxis can take you to Forte Orange. Bus fares from Recife to Itamaracá range from R$ 180 to R$ 240. Local bus fares on the island are typically around R$4.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Recife. A taxi from Recife to Forte Orange takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately R$220-R$270. This is a convenient option for those who prefer a direct route.

  • Driving

    Forte Orange is accessible by car via the BR-101 Norte and PE-35 highways. The drive from Recife takes around 45 minutes, covering a distance of 43 km. Parking is available near the fort. Parking fees are approximately R$5-R$10 per hour.

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Discover more about Forte Orange - Fortaleza de Santa Cruz de Itamaracá

Forte Orange, or Fortaleza de Santa Cruz de Itamaracá, is a significant historical landmark located on the northern coast of Pernambuco, on the island of Itamaracá. Originally constructed by the Dutch in 1631, the fort was named in honor of the House of Orange-Nassau, the ruling family of the Netherlands at the time. The fort was strategically important in the defense of the captaincy of Pernambuco and Itamaracá. During the Dutch occupation, the fort was garrisoned by 366 men and successfully resisted Portuguese forces. After the Dutch defeat in 1654, the fort fell into ruins but was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1696. The Portuguese replaced the Dutch symbols with the arms of the Kingdom of Portugal. Today, Forte Orange serves as a museum, displaying archaeological fragments and maps from the era of the Dutch invasion. Visitors can explore the fort's well-preserved structure, including its four bastions, chapel, and craft shop. The fort is a popular tourist attraction, drawing approximately 70,000 visitors each year. The island of Itamaracá, where the fort is located, is known as the birthplace of Ciranda, a traditional Pernambuco dance.

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