Built in the 18th century on the left bank of the mouth of the Amazon River, the Fortress of São José de Macapá is considered the largest fortification in Brazil. It was built to defend the Amazon against the possibility of a supposed French invasion. Located in an extensive area of almost 30,000 metres, the building is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the capital of Amapá. It was listed by the National Historical Heritage Institute (IPHAN) on 22 March 1950, and elevated to museum status in 2007. The most striking consequence of the construction of the Fortress was the creation and development of the village of São José de Macapá, which gave rise to the capital of Amapá. Currently, in addition to being the favourite tourist spot of Macapaenses, the surroundings of the place are used by the population in leisure time to picnic and practice physical activities.

Source: Amazon Agency