Fort Copacabana
Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort
Opened in 1914 Fort Copacabana is now a fascinating museum showcasing many exhibits pertaining to the Brazilian Army. The fort also provides visitors with superb views of the ocean and beaches.
Located on a rocky outcrop at the southern tip of Copacabana Beach, also the former site of little church Our Lady of Copacabana, construction on Fort Copacabana began in 1908 and the fort was put in service in 1914 to guard the entrance to Guanabara Bay and adjacent beaches. When first established it was regarded to be more modern than any other fortification on the continent.
The fort was involved in some historic events, most notably the 1922 revolt of the Fort of Copacabana a military uprising against the powers of the day that in the end was unsuccessful, but set the stage for some subsequent uprisings.
In 1987, with the need to defend the bay by means of a Fortification no longer relevant, the Coast Artillery Batteries were abolished and the fort was repurposed into the Army History Museum which it continues as today.
Just about anyone will enjoy visiting Forte de Copacabana as there is truly something for everyone. The views of the entrance to the bay and the adjacent beach is superb. Inside the fort you will have fun exploring the many different rooms and passageways to see what discoveries lie in wait. There are also some beautiful dioramas depicting various events in the history of Brazil.
With its scenic location and so much to see for a very reasonable admission fee, you should definitely consider taking time for a visit to the Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesFort Copacabana Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco, 1, Posto 6 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22070-020, Brazil
Official Website: Fort Copacabana
Fort Copacabana Reviews
Rated out of 5
The walk through is very worth. The views and the peace.. but the preservation of the place, been a military base, is very bad. The cannon area all corroted with multiple paint coats but no signs of preservation.
Wear shoes as the climb is steep and mandatory use of shirts even though been at the beach
Hunter Murphy - a month ago
You can visit Forte de Copacabana and its history museum for just R$10 per person, which is incredibly good value. It gives you access to the whole area, including the cafés and the fort itself. Just note that entry is cash only.
The setting is fantastic, right at the end of Copacabana, with amazing views along the coastline.
We spent time wandering around the fort, visiting the museum (which was interesting), and exploring the grounds. It’s a really nice place to take your time and enjoy the surroundings.
We also stayed for sunset at the end of the fort, which was absolutely beautiful and made the visit even more special.
Overall, an amazing value experience in Rio and a brilliant place to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening.
Ree - 5 months ago
Great place to walk around, $10per person. Beautiful views and cute places to eat and enjoy the beautiful beach views
Amber Claiborne - 2 months ago
A very nice place with good views of the Copacabana beach. Small entrance fee - only cash
Costas Moraitis - a month ago
Nice coastal artillery fortress. Two large twin artillery turrets woth twin guns are still there. The museum is nicely done.
Note, they only accept Brazilian reals which is only 5 reals ($1) for adults
Knight-Hawk - 6 months ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange | Ipanema/General Osório Station | 15 MInutes |
How to get to Fort Copacabana by Metro
Take the metro to Ipanema/General Osório Station, exit and walk west along Rua Visconde de Piraja; where it curves to the left go right onto Rua Canning for one block; left on Av/ Rainha Elizabthe da Belgica for one block; right on Rua Bulhoes Carvalho to the end; left on Rua Francisco Otaviano and continue to the entrance which is on your right just before the road curves to follow the beach.
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Accommodations near Fort Copacabana:
Photo Gallery
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Canons aimed across the entrance to Guanabara Bay from Fort Copacabana cc licensed photo by Jorge Wagner -
Forte de Copacabana cc licensed photo by Jorge Wagner -
cc licensed photo by Jorge Wagner -
Photo Credit: Leandro returns - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edwardotis - cc license via Flickr
