originally, the location of the fort was occupied by a small chapel dedicated to the patron saint of bolivia - the virgen de copacabana (virgin of copacabana) - the same chapel that gave the name to this distrcit of rio de janeiro.

this is the link to the official page of the fort of copacabana, with more details on schedule, art expositions, and more.

the 'café do forte' with outside seating, has one of the best pastries and views of the city, as does the nearby 'Café 18 do Forte' - they are open tuesdays through sundays from 10:00 am through 6:00pm - both are excellent options for a coffee with amazing views and tranquility.