The Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Araçatuba was the fourth and last of the fortresses designed by Portuguese Brigadier José da Silva Paes. Built on the Islet of Araçatuba, between 1742 and 1744, the Fortress was the only one intended to protect the entrance to the South Bay of Santa Catarina Island.
It also served as a prison on several occasions, including during the republican period. In 1894, by ministerial order of August 28, this fortification, which was also called Fortaleza da Barra do Sul, was renamed Forte de Araçatuba.
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In its original design, the main battery of round-shaped cannons stands out, located in the highest position of the set. Despite the repairs that this fortress underwent in 1780 and 1850, it was found to be quite ruined, according to a report from 1899.
The Araçatuba Fortress was listed as a National Historic and Artistic Heritage in 1980, received emergency shoring and consolidation in 1991 and is currently undergoing restoration.
what do you see there
The Lighthouse and Fort of Shipwrecked.
Views: The beautiful beaches of Sonho, Pinheira and Naufragados. The town of Enseada de Brito, on the mainland access. Ribeirao da Ilha, on the access through Santa Catarina Island.
Location and access method
The Fortress is located on the island of Araçatuba, at the entrance to Barra Sul on the island of Santa Catarina, in the municipality of Palhoça. This Fortress can be reached via the BR-101, access to Praia do Sonho, or going to the end of the access to Caieira da Barra do Sul, on Santa Catarina Island. In both cases, there are private boats available by fishermen in the region for the crossing to Araçatuba. The island does not have a pier or beach, and disembarkation is only possible in good weather. However, it is not an official tour as the fort belongs to the Brazilian Army and is considered a conservation area. In addition, it is not in a good state of conservation, and has no structure to receive visitors. It is not advisable to go swimming, despite being 1 km from Praia de Naufragados, as the sea is open and the currents are very strong.
Written page with information from the Coordination of Fortresses on the Island of Santa Catarina.
Santa Catarina Island Fortresses Project
http://fortalezas.org/index.php?ct=fortaleza&id_fortaleza=11
(48) 3721-5118
