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Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat History

in Salvador de Bahia

History of the Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat — origins, renovations and historical facts

History of the Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat: The Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat, originally known as Castelo de São Felipe, is one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of colonial fortified architecture in Brazil. Possibly the oldest in the country, the fort retains features of its original design even after successive renovations.

Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat em Salvador
History of the Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat
Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat em Salvador, Bahia
Fort of Our Lady of Monte Serrat in Salvador, Bahia
Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat em Salvador, Bahia
History of the Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat
Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat em Salvador, Bahia
Fort of Our Lady of Monte Serrat in Salvador, Bahia
Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat em Salvador, Bahia
Fort of Our Lady of Monte Serrat in Salvador, Bahia

Video on the History of the Fort

História do Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate
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História do Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate

Historical significance and iconography

The map of Albernaz (first quarter of the 17th century) already shows Monserrate Fort alongside other defences in Salvador, such as Santo Alberto Fort and the Santo Antônio da Barra Tower. Old engravings and the sketch by José Antônio Caldas (1759) depict features very similar to those seen today, demonstrating how well it has been preserved over the centuries.

Cartografia de Albernaz de 1631, cidade de Salvador em que figuram também o Forte de Santo Alberto, a antiga Torre de Santo Antônio da Barra e a Torre de São Tiago de Água de Meninos, o Forte de Serrat é o quarto representado em planta.
A map of Albernaz dating from 1631, showing the city of Salvador, on which are also depicted the Fort of Santo Alberto, the former Tower of Santo Antônio da Barra and the Tower of São Tiago de Água de Meninos; the Fort of Serrat is the fourth to be shown in plan view.

Major renovations in the history of the Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat

1. Renovations carried out by the Count of Castelo Melhor (1650–1654)

Work carried out to reinforce the structure and adapt the fort to defensive requirements following the Dutch invasion of 1624.

2. Reforms during the viceroyalty of André de Melo e Castro (1735–1742)

Improvements to walls, bastions and artillery to maintain the fortification’s military effectiveness.

3. Restoration by Góis Calmon (1924–1927)

Project for the restoration and ‘beautification’ of Monserrate: reconstruction of dilapidated sections, cleaning and restoration of the turrets. Technical committee: Captain Cunha Menezes, Prof. Alberto de Assis and Eng. Américo Furtado de Simas.

4. Maintenance by the Brazilian Army (20th–21st centuries)

Minor works focused on structural conservation, preserving the original appearance and adapting the building for cultural and tourist use.

Structure, characteristics and use

The fort has rounded bastions of Italian influence and small turrets (watchtowers) for musket fire. Although constrained by a neighbouring hill (Padrasto), its artillery was commensurate with its size; in the 18th century, it boasted as many as nine guns. Today, it serves as a tourist attraction and a venue for cultural events at Ponta de Humait, Salvador.

Perfil e planta do Forte de Monte Serrat (José Antônio Caldas, 1759)
Profile and plan of Monte Serrat Fort (José Antônio Caldas, 1759)

Key military events

  • Dutch invasions (1624–1625): the fort was occupied by the Dutch; there is disagreement regarding the resistance and withdrawal in 1625.
  • Invasion of Nassau (1638): captured by Major van den Brand; the Dutch held it until they had consolidated their positions in Pernambuco.
  • Sabinada (1837): occupied by rebels; came under naval attack and saw the landing of loyalist forces.
  • The 1863 Reform: implemented following the Christie diplomatic crisis, in accordance with the recommendations of Colonel Beaurepaire Rohan.

Sources and concluding remarks

Accounts by Diogo de Campos Moreno, José Mirales, Teodoro Sampaio and José Antônio Caldas attest to the defensive heritage of the Fort of Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat. Successive renovations and maintenance work have ensured its preservation as a historic monument and tourist attraction in Salvador.
Fortifications of Salvador | Invasion of Nassau
Location: Ponta de Humaitá, Salvador, Bahia.

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