it is a widely known fact, that the best views of rio de janeiro can be enjoyed from the former state capital of rio de janeiro, niterói, which is located across the guanabara bay. the forte do pico being one of the best vantage points for this purpose. located in the neighborhood of jurujuba, on the peninsular protruding into the sea at the mouth of the bay, at an altitude of 230 meters lies the forte do morro do pico, also known simply as forte do pico.

now a major draw for all who visit the niterói area, 'forte do pico' is part of the largest military fort complex in brazil. its location, high on the hillside, means it was the ideally placed to guard the entire guanabara bay and santa cruz fortress from enemy attacks.