The walls
Over the bay.
Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paul R. Burley — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Fort of São Lourenço stands on the northern tip of Itaparica Island, across the Bay of All Saints from Salvador, at a strategic point guarding the island's only natural harbour. In the early 17th century the site was a whaling port, founded by a Portuguese whaler in 1624 and known as «Whale Point». During the Dutch occupation of north-east Brazil, the Dutch built a small earthwork fort on the hill in 1647, which held off a Portuguese attack that October, and destroyed it when they withdrew to Recife. In the early 18th century the Portuguese rebuilt it in its present stone form. Brazilian forces used it in Bahia's war of independence in 1823; the Brazilian Navy has owned it since that year, and it has been listed as national heritage since 1938. The fort is seen from outside on a stroll through historic Itaparica town, its walls facing the bay with Salvador on the horizon; ask whether you can go in, as it belongs to the navy. The island is reached by ferry from Salvador.
Over the bay.
On the horizon.
A historic stroll.
Fort headland, Itaparica town, Itaparica Island, Bahia
By ferry from Salvador to Itaparica Island, then on to Itaparica town at the island's north end.