Country
Brazil
City / Region
Vila Velha (ES)
Construction Date
Construction began during the administration of Francisco Gil de Araújo (1678-1682). It continued in 1702 and was completed that year by order of Governor-General D. Rodrigo da Costa. Sources mention reconstructions in 1700 and 1726.
Conservation status
Although it was in ruins in 1862, it underwent a revitalization process. Continuous military occupation probably contributed to its preservation and restoration.
Latitude and Longitude
20°19'24.8"S 40°17'13.0"W
Main characteristics
Located in Enseada de Inhoã, the fort has a circular plan and was built to defend the southern bar of Vitória Bay, complementing other defenses in the region. Over the centuries, it underwent different classifications and states of conservation. From the 1860s, it housed a school for apprentice sailors and a barracks. Currently, its facilities house the 38º Batalhão de Infantaria do Exército Brazileiro, remaining operational to this day, in addition to being open to tourism.
Source(s)
FUNDAÇÃO CULTURAL EXÉRCITO BrazilEIRO (FUNCEB). Forte de São Francisco Xavier da Piratininga. FUNCEB, 2024. Disponível em: https://www.funceb.org.br/copia-cas-historica-de-deodoro-2. Acesso em: 20 abr. 2025.
PINIWEB. Forte São Francisco Xavier da Barra, em Vila Velha, no Espírito Santo, recebeu importante processo de revitalização. Piniweb, 19 mar. 2025. Disponível em: https://piniweb.com.br/forte-sao-francisco-xavier-da-barra-em-vila-velha-no-espirito-santo-recebeu-importante-processo-de-revitalizacao/. Acesso em: 20 abr. 2025.