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Copacabana Fort: A Coastal Fortress with Panoramic Views

Explore a historic fort at Copacabana Beach with stunning views, a military museum, and a charming café.

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Located at the southern end of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Fort (Forte de Copacabana) is a historic military base offering stunning views and a glimpse into Brazil's military history. Built in 1914 to protect the city's coastline, it now houses the Army Historical Museum and a charming cafe.

A brief summary to Copacabana Fort

  • Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco, 1, Posto 6, Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana, State of Rio de Janeiro, 22070-020, BR
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit the fort on Sundays for live concerts featuring local music bands; check the fort's website for the schedule.
  • Enjoy breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo, located within the fort, for a delightful culinary experience.
  • Explore the fort's grounds to discover the large cannons on the rock formation and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views.
  • Be aware that most museums in Rio are closed on Mondays.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Copacabana Beach, walk towards the southern end of the beach. The fort is located at Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, 1, Posto 6, at the intersection of Avenida Atlântica and Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco. The entrance is near Posto 6, the lifeguard watchtower.

  • Public Transport

    Take the metro to Ipanema/General Osório Station. Exit the station and walk west along Rua Visconde de Piraja. Turn right onto Rua Canning, then left onto Av. Rainha Elizabthe da Belgica. Turn right on Rua Bulhoes Carvalho to the end, then left on Rua Francisco Otaviano and continue to the entrance. Alternatively, take a bus that stops near Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco. Metro fare: Approximately R$5.80 [Note: This price may not be up to date]. Bus fare: Approximately R$4.05 [Note: This price may not be up to date].

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Use a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber. Enter 'Copacabana Fort' or 'Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco, 1, Posto 6' as your destination. Estimated taxi/ride-share fare from Copacabana Beach: R$15-R$25 [Note: This is an estimated cost and may vary].

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Discover more about Copacabana Fort

Copacabana Fort, inaugurated in 1914, was built to bolster the defense of Guanabara Bay. The fort occupies a headland that was originally the site of a small chapel holding a replica of the Virgen de Copacabana. In its time, it was considered the most modern war square in Latin America. Today, the fort serves as the Army Historical Museum, preserving the memory of the Brazilian Army and offering a cultural space for visitors. The museum features exhibits about the history of the army in Brazil. Although Brazil's participation in World War I receives no treatment, the Brazilian Expeditionary Force's role in the Italian Campaign in World War II is covered. The fort also played a role in the 1922 revolt of the Copacabana Fort, when rebellious officers turned the fort's guns on Rio de Janeiro. Visitors can explore the fort's original features, including the 12-meter-thick external walls and massive Krupp cannons. The site offers panoramic views of Copacabana and Leme beaches, as well as Diabo beach and Arpoador rock. The Confeitaria Colombo operates a café within the fort, providing a spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

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