Forte São João Bertioga
Brazil's oldest fort (1532), offering historical exhibits, colonial architecture, and stunning coastal views. Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Open hours for exploration
Forte São João Bertioga
Best Time
Open hours for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brazil's oldest fort (1532), offering historical exhibits, colonial architecture, and stunning coastal views. Free admission!
"Loved to see this historical place. First fort in Brazil with nice views."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy Brazil's oldest fort without an entry fee. A great budget-friendly historical adventure!
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Head to the top for incredible panoramic shots of the coast and channel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The First Fort of Brazil
Main structure
Explore the oldest military fortification in Brazil, built in 1532 to protect the coast.
Thematic Rooms & Exhibits
Interior chambers
Discover exhibits on early colonization, indigenous history, and weaponry.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Top of the fort
Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, Bertioga channel, and surrounding nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time at Brazil's Oldest Fort
Plan Your Visit to Forte São João
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy Brazil's oldest fort without an entry fee. A great budget-friendly historical adventure!
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Head to the top for incredible panoramic shots of the coast and channel. 
📚 Learn Brazilian History
Dive into the stories of early colonization and indigenous encounters.
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk
The walk from the Bertioga Canal promenade to the fort is beautiful.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy Brazil's oldest fort without an entry fee. A great budget-friendly historical adventure!
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Head to the top for incredible panoramic shots of the coast and channel.
📚 Learn Brazilian History
Dive into the stories of early colonization and indigenous encounters.
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk
The walk from the Bertioga Canal promenade to the fort is beautiful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Forte São João for its historical significance as Brazil's first fort and its scenic coastal views. The free admission is a major draw, offering an informative glimpse into early colonization and indigenous history. Some note that exhibit information is primarily in Portuguese.
"Loved to see this historical place. First fort in Brazil"
Jakub
"A small free museum with history in Portuguese and access to the top of the building with nice views"
D V
"Latest incarnation of one of the earliest fortifications the Portuguese built on the Brazilian coast. Charming and fairly small. Actually does a pretty good job of telling part of the story of the early Portuguese colonization, including the struggle withe the French. Free admission. Good views of the sea and the harbour."
Pieter Lekkerkerk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forte São João is located in Bertioga, São Paulo. You can reach it by car or public transport. Many visitors enjoy the scenic walk along the Bertioga Canal promenade to reach the fort.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the area around the Bertioga Canal often has public parking options. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Absolutely! Forte São João is a perfect addition to a day trip to Bertioga, offering a significant historical and scenic experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The fort is open for visitation from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
No, admission to Forte São João is free, making it an accessible historical attraction for everyone.
As admission is free and it's a historical site, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special events, it's always best to check their official channels.
Information on specific accessibility features is limited, but historical sites can sometimes have uneven terrain. It's recommended to contact the site directly for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore thematic rooms, view exhibits on early Brazilian history, learn about weaponry, and enjoy stunning views from the top of the fort.
While not always explicitly advertised, guided tours might be available, especially during peak seasons or for organized groups. Inquiring upon arrival is recommended.
A typical visit can last from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and the time you spend enjoying the views.
The fort sometimes hosts events and historical presentations. It's a good idea to check local event listings or the fort's social media for any scheduled activities.
Forte São João is the first military fortification in Brazil, built in 1532. It played a crucial role in protecting the region from indigenous attacks and later from foreign invaders.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the fort offers fantastic panoramic views of the sea and channel. The fort's architecture itself is also very photogenic.
While some drone footage exists, it's essential to check local regulations regarding drone usage in historical and protected areas before flying.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside historical sites, but it's always good practice to look for signage indicating any restrictions on flash photography or specific exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
+3📸 Photographers & View Seekers
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Birthplace of Modern Brazil
+1From this very fort, expeditions departed that led to the founding of São Vicente and Rio de Janeiro, solidifying its role as a starting point for the expansion of Portuguese influence in Brazil. The fort's history is intertwined with figures like Hans Staden, a German soldier whose capture and survival among indigenous tribes is a fascinating chapter documented within the fort's exhibits.
Today, Forte São João stands as a testament to Brazil's colonial past, offering visitors a tangible connection to the nation's origins. Its designation as a National Heritage site underscores its importance in preserving the country's historical narrative.
Exploring the Fort's Exhibits and Views
The fort's structure itself is an exhibit, showcasing colonial military architecture. Visitors can ascend to the top of the fort, where they are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. The vista encompasses the Bertioga channel, the coastline, and the surrounding natural beauty, making it a prime spot for photography and reflection.
+1Many visitors find the free admission a significant bonus, allowing for an enriching historical experience without any cost. The combination of historical exploration and scenic beauty makes Forte São João a compelling destination for history buffs and casual tourists alike.
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