fortress · Paranaguá, PR
Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres
An 18th-century fort built on Ilha do Mel to defend the Baía de Paranaguá, today the most visited spot on the island. It sits by the island's longest beach, with about 4 km of sand.
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 Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres
The Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres is a colonial fort on Ilha do Mel, on the Paraná coast, within the municipality of Paranaguá. It stands at the end of Praia da Fortaleza (beach), at the foot of Morro da Baleia, facing the entrance to the Baía de Paranaguá. It has been listed by Iphan since 1938.
The fort was built between 1767 and 1769, on the orders of the Portuguese Crown, to protect the bay and the port of Paranaguá from privateers and foreign ships. The walls follow the contour of the hill, and you enter through a stone gateway.
On the visit, you can see the walls, the gateway and the old cannons pointing out to sea. From the top of the structure the view opens onto the ocean and the entrance to the bay. Right in front is Praia da Fortaleza, long and with calm water, good for walking and swimming after the visit.
Access is only on foot or by boat, because there are no cars on the island. The walk along the trail and the sand is flat and easy if you walk well, but it is not wheelchair accessible, and inside the fort there are stairs and uneven floors.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow 1 to 2 hours for the fort and the beach in front, not counting the trip there.
Best time
On dry days in spring and summer, in the morning or late afternoon, at low tide, which makes the walk along the sand easier; the sunset seen from the fortress is also beautiful.
How to get there
Ilha do Mel can only be reached by boat, from Pontal do Sul, in Pontal do Paraná, or from Paranaguá. Get off at Nova Brasília and walk along the trail and Praia da Fortaleza (beach) to the fort, at the end of the beach. Licensed water taxis also go to the Fortaleza.
Tip
Check the tide table before you set out: at high tide, walking along the sand gets difficult. Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent, because there is little shade along the way.
A look at the place
Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres 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 Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres
When was the Ilha do Mel fortress built?
Between 1767 and 1769, to defend the entrance to the Baía de Paranaguá. It has been listed by Iphan since 1938.
How do I get to the Ilha do Mel fortress?
Take the boat to Ilha do Mel from Pontal do Sul or Paranaguá, get off at Nova Brasília and walk along the trail and Praia da Fortaleza. Licensed water taxis are also available.
Can I drive to the fortress?
No. There are no cars on Ilha do Mel; you get there on foot or by boat.
How long does the visit take?
1 to 2 hours for the fort and the beach in front, not counting the trip there and back.
What is the best time to go?
At low tide, which makes walking along the sand easier. In the morning or late afternoon the sun is gentler, and sunset at the fortress is very popular.