historic center · Belém, PA
Forte do Presépio e Casa das Onze Janelas
A colonial ensemble in the Feliz Lusitânia complex, where the city began in 1616, now with museums and views of the bay. The terrace is great in the late afternoon.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Forte do Presépio e Casa das Onze Janelas
The Forte do Presépio marks the spot where Belém was born. It was built in 1616 by the Portuguese expedition of Francisco Caldeira Castelo Branco, on high ground on the edge of the Baía do Guajará, to defend the entrance to the Amazon. The first structure was made of wood and was rebuilt several times over the centuries.
Next to it is the Casa das Onze Janelas (House of Eleven Windows), an 18th-century mansion built as the home of a sugar mill owner. In 1768 it became the Royal Military Hospital and kept military functions for a long time. Today it is a cultural space devoted to contemporary art.
Both are part of the Feliz Lusitânia complex, a restored ensemble opened to the public in 2002, which also includes the Igreja de Santo Alexandre, with the Museum of Sacred Art, and sits next to the Catedral da Sé. In the fort, there is a museum with archaeological pieces, including Marajoara and Tapajônica pottery, and cannons facing the bay. From the walls you see the river, Ver-o-Peso and the Cidade Velha.
The visit is easy and fits into any tour of the historic center. Much of the route is flat, but there are stretches of uneven ground and stairs in the fort.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours is enough to tour the fort, the walls and the exhibitions at the Casa das Onze Janelas; with the rest of the complex, allow half a morning.
Best time
In the less rainy period, between July and November. Late afternoon is the best time for the view of the Baía do Guajará from the walls and gardens; visit the museums first, because they close early.
How to get there
It is on Praça Frei Caetano Brandão, in the Cidade Velha, Belém's historic center. It is a few minutes' walk from the Mercado Ver-o-Peso; several bus lines run through the area, and a taxi or ride-hailing car will drop you at the square.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Catedral da Sé, the Igreja de Santo Alexandre and Ver-o-Peso, all a few steps away. Museum entry may be paid; check hours and prices before you go.
A look at the place
Forte do Presépio e Casa das Onze Janelas in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Forte do Presépio e Casa das Onze Janelas
Is there an entrance fee for the Forte do Presépio?
There is a fee to visit the fort museum. Check prices, free days and hours before you go.
When was the Forte do Presépio built?
In 1616, when Belém was founded. The first structure was made of wood and was rebuilt over the centuries.
What is at the Casa das Onze Janelas?
It is a cultural space with contemporary art exhibitions, housed in an 18th-century mansion that was once a military hospital.
Can you walk from Ver-o-Peso to the Forte do Presépio?
Yes. It is a few minutes' walk along the Cidade Velha waterfront.
How long does the visit take?
One to two hours for the fort and the Casa das Onze Janelas. With the rest of the Feliz Lusitânia complex, allow half a morning.