fort · Florianópolis, SC
Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa
A restored 18th-century fort between Praia do Forte and Jurerê, with walls, cannons and the commander's house open to visitors. It offers a superb view of the Baía Norte.
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 São José da Ponta Grossa
Construction of the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa began in 1740, on the orders of Brigadier José da Silva Paes, the first governor of the Captaincy of Santa Catarina, and was completed around 1744. It was built with enslaved labor. Together with the forts of Anhatomirim and Ratones, it formed a triangle of fire to defend the entrance to the Baía Norte.
In 1777, the Spanish landed overland at Canasvieiras, and the fort surrendered almost without a fight; the capitulation was signed in the Casa do Comandante (Commander's House). By the end of the 19th century, abandoned, it became a source of stone and brick for buildings in the area. It was listed in 1938 by the agency that is now Iphan and restored by UFSC in the early 1990s. The university manages the fort.
The complex climbs the hillside on three levels, linked by stone ramps and enclosed by thick stone-and-lime walls. The main courtyard holds the Casa do Comandante, a two-story townhouse, and the powder magazine. On the highest level is the single-nave Capela de São José (chapel). There are also the troops' barracks, the guardhouse, the stone gateway and round sentry boxes at the corners of the wall. In 1786, the seaward batteries had 31 cannons. About 200 meters away is the Bateria de São Caetano, from 1765, built to protect the eastern side.
From the top you see the Baía Norte, Praia do Forte just below, Jurerê on one side and the mainland on the other. It's the only one of the three UFSC forts you can visit by land.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour to an hour and a half.
Best time
Closed on Mondays. Late afternoon on a clear day, to see the bay in the low light; afterward, you can walk down to Praia do Forte.
How to get there
It's in the north of the island, about 25 km from downtown. By car, take the SC-401 to Jurerê and from there a narrow street to the fort. Parking nearby is limited: on busy days, leave your car at the end of Jurerê and continue on foot.
Tip
Wear sturdy shoes: the stone ramps are steep and get slippery in the rain. The other two UFSC forts are on islands and can only be reached by boat.
Official website
A look at the place
Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa 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 São José da Ponta Grossa
Is the fort open on Mondays?
No. It's open Tuesday through Sunday, including holidays.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. There are half-price tickets and exemptions, listed on the UFSC forts website.
Who built the fort?
It was built from 1740, on the orders of Brigadier José da Silva Paes, the first governor of the Captaincy of Santa Catarina, with enslaved labor.
Can I get there by car?
Yes. It's the only one of the three UFSC forts with land access, via the SC-401 and Jurerê. Parking nearby is limited.