São Marcelo Fort: A Circular Sentinel of Salvador
Discover Salvador's iconic circular fortress, a historical landmark offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Brazil's colonial past.
Rising from the waters of All Saints Bay, São Marcelo Fort is a unique cylindrical fortress that has guarded Salvador, Brazil, since the 17th century. Known locally as Forte do Mar (Sea Fort), it offers a glimpse into the region's colonial past and maritime defense strategies.
A brief summary to São Marcelo Fort
- Salvador, State of Bahia, BR
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the fort's history and significance.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Salvador and the All Saints Bay, especially beautiful at sunset.
Getting There
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Ferry
The primary way to reach São Marcelo Fort is by taking a ferry from the Terminal Marítimo da Bahia (Bahia Maritime Terminal). From the Praça da Sé in Salvador's city center, walk approximately 10 minutes to the terminal. Purchase a ferry ticket to Ilha de São Marcelo. The ferry ride is about 15 minutes, offering scenic views of the bay. Upon arrival at the island, the fort is a short walk from the dock. Ferry tickets typically cost around R$10-R$20.
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Public Transport
To reach the ferry terminal via public transport, take a bus to Praça da Sé. Several bus lines serve this area. From Praça da Sé, follow the walking directions to Terminal Marítimo da Bahia. Once at the terminal, purchase your ferry ticket and board the ferry to Ilha de São Marcelo. After the ferry ride, a short walk will lead you to the fort. Bus fares in Salvador are typically around R$4-R$5.
Discover more about São Marcelo Fort
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monumento à Cidade de Salvador - BA
0.6 km
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Prefeitura Municipal de Salvador
0.8 km
A modern city hall in a historic square, the Prefeitura Municipal de Salvador blends contemporary design with the rich heritage of Brazil's first capital.
Centro Histórico
0.8 km
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Praça da Sé - Comercio
0.8 km
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Praça Castro Alves
0.9 km
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Praça Terreiro de Jesus
0.9 km
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Museum Eugenio Teixeira Leal
1.0 km
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Escadaria Sambazete
1.1 km
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Largo Pedro Arcanjo
1.1 km
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PASTEL DA BINA/Tempero do Camaleon
1.8 km
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Forte de São Pedro
1.9 km
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Monumento do Dois de Julho (Caboclo)
2.2 km
A majestic sculpture in Salvador's Campo Grande, celebrating Bahia's pivotal role in Brazil's independence and rich cultural heritage.
Square Two July
2.2 km
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Pé do Caboclo
2.2 km
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Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Vitória
3.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mercado Modelo
0.5 km
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Cidade da Música da Bahia
0.6 km
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Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia
0.7 km
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Elevador Lacerda
0.7 km
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Memorial das Baianas
0.7 km
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Rio Branco Palace
0.8 km
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Fallen Cross Monument
0.8 km
A modern monument in Salvador's historic Pelourinho, commemorating a lost cathedral and offering stunning bay views.
Museum of Mercy
0.8 km
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Casa do Carnaval da Bahia
0.8 km
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Estátua Dom Pedro Fernandes Sardinha
0.8 km
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Cathedral of Salvador
0.9 km
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Tour by foot Salvador - Free Walking Tour
0.9 km
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Cultural Afro Brazilian Museum
0.9 km
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O cravinho
0.9 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Bahia at O Cravinho, a legendary Pelourinho bar serving traditional infused cachaças since the 1980s.
Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da UFBA
0.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Caravelas Bar e Restaurante
0.8 km
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Restaurante Fasano Salvador
0.9 km
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Amado
0.9 km
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Mariposa
1.0 km
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Restaurante Pelô Bistrô
1.0 km
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Odoyá
1.0 km
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Boteco do Pelourinho
1.0 km
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O Coliseu
1.0 km
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Cuco Bistrô
1.0 km
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Bar and Restaurant Axego
1.0 km
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Soho
1.0 km
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Restaurante Uauá
1.1 km
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Sorriso da Dadá
1.1 km
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Donna Pimenta
1.1 km
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Restaurante Lafayette
1.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Shopping do Pelourinho
0.9 km
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Shopping do Pelô
0.9 km
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Pierim Souvenirs - Pelourinho
1.0 km
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Sal da Terra - Pelourinho
1.0 km
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Dendê
1.0 km
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Sol da Terra Artesanatos Artigos para Presente e Confe
1.0 km
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Salvador Bahia
1.0 km
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Viabrasilmodaearte
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Boutique A Mulherada
1.0 km
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Coração da Bahia
1.0 km
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Boutique Do Ilê Aiyê
1.1 km
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Maria Mata Mouro
1.1 km
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O Blokão
1.2 km
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Super C
1.2 km
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Atrevida Lingerie e Moda Praia
1.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hidden Salvador
0.8 km
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Clube do Samba
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Bar Preto Velho
1.0 km
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Sala do reboco
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Bar Cravo & Canela
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Kibe & Cia
1.0 km
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Conforto Bar e Restaurante
1.0 km
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Negro's Bar
1.0 km
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Bar do Carmo
1.1 km
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Owl's den - Toca da coruja bar
1.1 km
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Passarela Do Álcool
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Bar Zulu
1.1 km
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Ponto Vital Santo Amaro
1.2 km
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Café e Cana Botequim
1.2 km
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Di Janela - Gastronomia, Restô, Bar
1.3 km
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