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
Highly recommended. There are cafes along the sea front within the fort offering great views of Copacabana beach. The history of the Fort is well-preserved and presented in various displays and exhibitions. Make sure you go down the path to the main infrastructure under the main 305mm cannons which shows how life was at the fort.
Andy Maguire - a month ago
I'm all about castles and forts, and this one met the bar! It's easily accessible from either of the main beaches in Rio right on the corner of both. The entry price is beyond cheap, and the fort itself offers a fantastic bit of history and is accessible allowing you to see a good chunk both inside and on top. Highly recommend if you're in Rio!
There's also a cafe with some food options offering wonderful views of Copacabana beach.
Michael Luisi - 2 months ago
Nice place to visit with some very nice views, and lots of historical information and artifacts. Huge cannon and shells on display. Pretty cool, and reasonable admission, but the views from the point are worth the admission.
M Brogan - a month ago
Nice museum, everything is in Portuguese but you can translate it with google translate picture.
Restaurant is good, great view over Copacabana.
Ticket cost 10 real, you have to pay cash, no cards!
Chris Boek - 5 months ago
Amazing view and a great experience overall. A must visit in Rio.
Robert Arabajyan - 2 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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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
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