at a glance

construction of the forte duque de caxias (fort duke of caxias) began in the late seventeen hundreds.

as with many of the portuguese forts, it was built to work within a network of other forts for coastal defense.

an impending invasion by the spanish prompted the new fort to be built on top of the morro do leme.

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 on corcovado can be admired from the top of the fort.