The fortresses are also considered historical heritage of Florianópolis.
Built by the Portuguese when the south of Brazil was disputed by Portugal and Spain, the forts on the island of Santa Catarina formed a defensive system to prevent the Spanish invasion of the then unknown lands of the south.
The three most important fortifications built in this period were:
Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim Fortress
It was the main fortification of the old defensive system of Santa Catarina Island, and is located on a small island in the north bay (Ilha de Anhatomirim).
Fortress of Santo Antônio de Ratones
Also located on a small island in the north bay (Ilha de Ratones), it functioned as one of the vertices of the triangular defense system of the North Bay of Santa Catarina Island.
Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa
The only one of the great fortresses located on Santa Catarina Island, it is the scene of one of the most beautiful architectural and scenic settings on the island.
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Later on, other fortifications were also built and added to the region's defensive system, such as the Fort of Our Lady of Conception of Araçatuba, or Fort of Santa Bárbara da Vila, or Fort Marechal Moura de Naufragados and the strengths of Sant'Ana do Estreito e Santa Barbara da Vila.
See more details in the section dedicated to Fortresses of Santa Catarina Island.
