Santa Cruz Fortress

Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra stands on the rocks at the eastern side of the entrance to Guanabara Bay, directly opposite Sugarloaf, and has been fortified since the 1550s, making it the oldest military work on the bay - the present structure is largely eighteenth century, built up in layers as artillery changed. Guided visits cover the gun positions, the chapel of Santa Barbara, the cells, and the Adao e Eva point where executions were carried out and which the guides make a fixture of the tour. Cannon are still fired ceremonially. The position is the reason it exists: the guns here and at Sao Joao on the Rio side crossed fire across the narrows, and the view back across the entrance to Sugarloaf and Copacabana is the best thing about the visit.

What you actually see

• The oldest work on the bay - fortified since the 1550s and rebuilt in layers.
• Guns across the narrows - the position that closed the bay entrance.
• The chapel and cells - including the execution point on the tour.
• Sugarloaf opposite - the view straight back across the entrance.

When to go

All year. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Entry is guided only, at fixed times, and mostly in Portuguese; identification is required at the gate as this is an active army site. Sections close without notice. There is no shade on the ramparts and access involves steps and slopes.

Nearby

The MAC is north along the Niteroi shore; Jurujuba beach is alongside.