fort · Tamandaré, PE
Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola
Built in the late 17th century to defend against the Dutch and shelter Portuguese ships, it has a square layout with pentagonal bastions at the corners. It is also known as Fortaleza da Barra Grande.
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 de Santo Inácio de Loyola
The Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola, better known as Forte de Tamandaré, is a colonial fortification by the central beach of Tamandaré, on the south coast of Pernambuco.
Construction began in the second half of the 17th century to protect Tamandaré Bay, a good anchorage for Portuguese ships, and the region's sugar mills. The fort has a square layout with bastions at the corners, following the model of European fortifications of the time. The chapel dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, which gave the fort the name it is also known by, was built in 1780.
Today the fort is a cultural and tourist space. You can walk around the courtyard, see the chapel and the old military buildings, which keep their original stone doorways, walls and floors, and visit the museum's exhibitions.
The visit is quick and pairs well with a beach day in Tamandaré.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One hour is enough to see the fort, the chapel and the museum at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Outside the rainy season on the Pernambuco coast, which falls mostly in fall and winter; early morning or late afternoon is less hot in the open courtyard.
How to get there
It is near the sea, on the southern part of Tamandaré's central beach, on the stretch known as Praia do Forte. From the town center you can walk or drive.
Tip
Check the opening hours before you go, and follow up with a swim at the beach in front.
A look at the place
Forte de Santo Inácio de Loyola 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 de Santo Inácio de Loyola
Where is the Forte de Tamandaré?
On the southern part of Tamandaré's central beach, on the south coast of Pernambuco, on the stretch known as Praia do Forte.
When was the fort built?
Construction began in the second half of the 17th century, to defend Tamandaré Bay. The chapel of Saint Ignatius of Loyola was built in 1780.
Is there an entrance fee for the Forte de Tamandaré?
There may be a charge. Check fees and hours on site before your visit.
How long does the visit take?
About an hour to see the courtyard, the chapel, the old military buildings and the museum.
What is there to see inside the fort?
The chapel, the old military buildings with their original stone doorways, walls and floors, and the museum's exhibitions.