also known as forte do leme, it can be visited on weekends and holidays from tuesday to sunday, 09:30 to 16:30. having once protected the city the fortified structure now serves as a cultural center boasting wonderful vistas of the surrounding mountains and beaches.

the entrance of guanabara bay, the wealthy city of niterói, and christ the redeemer on corcovado (cristo redentor) can be admired from the top of the fort -  the entrance fee is around 5 reals although children and old age pensioners get in for free.

on a clear day hikers can be seen scaling the famous morro dois irmãos in the distance, as the lofty forms also afford some great views over pedra da gávea, and pedra bonita.