officially inaugurated in 1901, the forte do imbuí, formally known as the forte dom pedro ii do imbuí (fort king peter ii), is located on the praia do forte imbuí. it was originally established in santa cruz as the the bateria de nossa senhora da guia (the battery of our lady of guidance) in 1567.

it was an important defensive post, along with forte de são luiz, against frequent raids conducted by pirates in the area between 1710 and 1711. its construction as a fort began during a time of conflict in 1863, called the christie question or, questão christie.