Florianópolis forts

In the 18th century, Portugal fortified Santa Catarina Island to defend the south of its colony. Brigadier José da Silva Paes designed a defensive triangle in the North Bay, made up of the forts of Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim, São José da Ponta Grossa and Santo Antônio de Ratones, begun around 1740. The Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Araçatuba, begun in 1742, guarded the entrance to the South Bay, according to Wikipedia.

The three forts open to visitors

All three are run by UFSC (the Federal University of Santa Catarina). According to the forts’ official website, they open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., including public holidays, with last entry at 6 p.m., and charge a visitor fee that goes toward upkeep (information checked in October 2026).

How to reach the islands

UFSC states that it does not provide transport to Anhatomirim and Ratones: boats are run by marine transport companies from Florianópolis and Governador Celso Ramos. The schooners that leave from the north of the island usually include the forts in their route. See tours and boat trips.

Ratones

The Fort of Santo Antônio de Ratones stands on Ratones Grande Island, between Gamboa point and Sambaqui point. You can see it from the Santo Antônio de Lisboa area.

Forts in this guide