The old cannons
Aimed at the bay.
Henrique Carvalho — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paulo SP/ Wikimedia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jcornelius — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). — CC BY-SA 4.0
Forte Defensor Perpétuo, the Perpetual Defender, is a small fort on Pontal hill north of Paraty's centre, where the town's first settlement stood. It was built in 1793 to protect the gold coming down the Gold Trail and the region's sugar from the pirates who lurked among the islands of the bay. It is one of seven fortifications built around the harbour; of the others outside the town only ruins remain. After restoration it became a museum in the 1970s, and since 2009 it has been run by the Brazilian Institute of Museums. The old cannons still point out to sea, and there is the powder magazine and exhibition rooms. It is about a kilometre from the centre, a short walk across the bridge, and the view from the top over the bay and the old town is worth the climb, especially late in the day.
Aimed at the bay.
From the 18th century.
Over the old town.
Pontal hill, north of Paraty's centre
The museum Wednesday to Friday 10:00-17:00 and weekends 10:00-14:00; the grounds daily 7:00-19:00. Entry is free.
