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Recife City Museum: A Fortified History

Explore Recife's captivating history within the walls of a 17th-century Dutch fort, showcasing the city's cultural evolution.

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Housed within the historic Forte das Cinco Pontas, the Recife City Museum showcases the city's evolution through maps, photos, and artifacts. Originally built by the Dutch in 1630, the fort itself is a key piece of Recife's history.

A brief summary to Recife City Museum

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience.
  • Explore the fort's architecture and grounds in addition to the museum exhibits.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions to see additional aspects of Recife's culture.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Recife Antigo, take bus line 032 towards the Praça das Cinco Pontas. The bus will drop you off near the fort. The ride is approximately 15 minutes, and the fare is around R$4.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Boa Viagem, a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Recife City Museum will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between R$30-R$50.

  • Walking

    From the São José Market, walk southwest along Avenida Sul. Continue for approximately 10 minutes until you reach the Praça das Cinco Pontas. The fort and museum will be on your left.

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Discover more about Recife City Museum

The Recife City Museum, located in the Forte das Cinco Pontas (Five Points Fort), offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Recife. The fort was originally constructed by the Dutch in 1630 during their occupation of Pernambuco. After the Portuguese and locals regained control, the fort was rebuilt with four points instead of the original five, though it retains its original name. The museum's collection includes a vast array of artifacts, documents, maps, and photographs, totaling over 150,000 pieces. These items illustrate Recife's urban, cultural, and social development from the 17th century to the present day. Exhibits cover indigenous history and colonial influences, narrating the city's evolution. Visitors can explore old maps, architectural plans, and historical photos depicting Recife's bygone era under Dutch rule. The museum is located in the São José neighborhood. The fort's architecture is a significant attraction. The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities and features bilingual signs and texts.

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