Located at Ponta de Humaitá, in the northern part of the city of Salvador, the fort offers a panoramic view of the entrance to Baía de Todos os Santos. Its historical function included cross-firing with Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra for the coordinated defense of the bay. The fortification has an irregular hexagonal plan; although it gained stone and masonry walls at the end of the 18th century, its current shape dates from the middle of the same century. It was listed by IPHAN in 1957. Currently, it remains active under Army administration, housing a military museum and being open to tourism. The fort is part of the UNESCO World Heritage candidate ensemble.