Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra

What you will find

Fortaleza de Santa Cruz faces Urca at the narrowest point of Guanabara Bay’s entrance. It preserves walls, cannons, courtyards, tunnels and former prisons.

The guided visit may cover gun batteries, courtyards, chapel, dungeons and viewpoints towards Sugarloaf Mountain and the bay’s entrance.

History

The position was used from the 16th century and expanded during the colonial, imperial and republican periods. Together with other fortifications, it controlled maritime access to Rio.

What makes this place special

The seafront walls, former dungeons and views of Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain.