The fortress is located at the southern end of Copacabana beach and provides you with a full view of Copacabana and Leme beaches on one side and Diabo beach followed by Arpoador rock on the other.

Forte de Copacabana (Copacabana Fort) was inaugurated in 1914 with the purpose of increasing the defense of Guanabara bay. In 1986 its military function was finished and it turned into Army History Museum to honor the memory of the Brazilian Army, as well as to serve as a cultural space for its visitors.

Tips for Copacabana Fort

• There are live concerts with local music bands on most Sundays, sometimes also other days. Check the fort´s website for schedule.
• Confeitaria Colombo offers a big breakfast ("cafe da manha"), go and try it one morning.
• Have a drink, lunch or dinner in one of the two cafes of the fort. The view of Copacabana beach is great if you are lucky to get a table outside. To get it, reserve the table as soon as you arrive to the fort, then walk around until your table will be free.
• Definitely go to the furthest end of the fort, where you find two huge cannons on a rock formation spanning into the ocean. On the rock you will witness some super nice 360 degree panoramas.
• Almost all Rio's museums are closed on Mondays. On Tuesdays many museums offer free entrance. Check the museum's website for exact information.

Short film about Forte de Copacabana history