Located near Forte de Santa Maria and Igreja e Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra, composing the defensive system of that entrance to the bay, this fort of originally quadrangular structure participated in battles against the Dutch in 1624 and 1638, being almost destroyed. It was reformed, adopting the current structure in the mid-18th century, and remained operational until the 1940s, when it was abandoned. Years later, it was reopened as a cultural and tourist center. Currently, it is located near the Igreja de Santo Antônio da Barra and Instituto Mauá, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage candidate ensemble.