Terraced buildings
Up the slope.
GLandovsky — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luiz Pantoja from São Paulo — CC BY 2.0 · Jainer Paz — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Voscaptureis — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa sits on the slope of Ponta Grossa hill in the north-west of Santa Catarina Island, between Praia do Forte and Jurerê, about 25 km from central Florianópolis, overlooking the North Bay. It was designed by Brigadier José da Silva Pais, first governor of the captaincy of Santa Catarina (1739-1745), and built by enslaved workers. It was one corner of the «defensive triangle» guarding the entrance to the North Bay in the first half of the 18th century, with the fortress of Santa Cruz on Anhatomirim Island (which has its own page) and that of Santo Antônio on Ratones Island. Its restored buildings step up the slope, and the top gives a wide view of the bay and its islands. It is run by the Federal University of Santa Catarina and opens Tuesday to Sunday 8:30-18:30. Tickets cost R$8-16, paid in cash on site, and entry is free on the last Sunday of each month.
Up the slope.
Islands and forts.
With Anhatomirim.
Between Praia do Forte and Jurerê, north-west Santa Catarina Island
On the last Sunday of each month; other days tickets are R$8-16 in cash, and it is closed on Mondays.