of course, the exotic wildlife on display is part of the attraction of the mountain, however an additional draw of morro do leme, is the famous military fort, which sits on its peak, marked by a huge brazilian flag easily visible from the distance.

originally built between 1776 and 1799 and named forte do vigia, forte duque de caxias, or forte do lemeas it is popularly known, was erected to guard the entry to the guanabara bay, whilst brazil was still part of the portuguese empire. the fort was restored in the early twentieth century, and has been preserved to resemble its original form.