Enjoy the view and delve through the intriguing history of the first of the 10 fortresses set up to defend the island.
Remédios Fort is an impressive structure built on a rugged cliff top by Portuguese settlers in the 18th century. It stands atop the ruins of a former Dutch stronghold and served as a political prison in the early 1900s. Learn about the history of the archipelago’s main defense structure.
The fort stands on a cliff about 150 feet (45 meters) above the ocean. Appreciate the picturesque views of the water and the mossy mountains that protrude from the curved coastline.
See the six rusty cannons that guard the perimeter of the fortress. Venture through the fort’s white portal and gaze up at the main tower in the heart of the structure.
Look around the crumbling remains of the small rooms and imagine how they were used centuries ago. The rooms served as military headquarters, dungeons, a chapel and several other functions. Gaze up at the Brazilian flag hoisted atop the fort.
Set up a picnic on a grassy patch beside the fortress and enjoy the panoramic views of the nearby beaches and the rolling hills with varied vegetation. Arrive early enough to find a scenic spot for photographs of the sunset and watch the sky slowly darken.
Learn about how the fort housed American soldiers during World War II. The structure was built in 1737 on top of the ruins of a Dutch fort.
Visit the colonial church a little farther inland. The church and the fort are in the Vila dos Remédios part of the island, which has several restaurants and posadas. The fortress remains open at all times and is free to enter.
Remédios Fort is on a small outcrop that juts out from the northern coast of Fernando de Noronha’s main island. Find it overlooking San Antonio Bay on the eastern side of Cachorro Beach, just north of the colonial church.
