Perched high on Morro do Pico, what stories could this fortress tell if its stones could speak? Welcome to Forte do Pico. It is also known as Forte de São Luiz. This place guards the entrance to Guanabara Bay. Imagine this: it is 1567. A simple observation post stands here, an early warning system. This was a sentinel watching over the growing city.
Fast forward to 1770. A grand plan emerges, a continuous defense line to protect Rio. Construction of the Forte do Pico began in 1772. By 1775, it was inaugurated. An inscription marked its dedication to São Luiz. “Founded in 1775 and consecrated to São Luiz”. Those words were engraved in Latin on the Portão das Armas.
Forte do Pico stood alone until 1811. Then, it became part of the Fortaleza de Santa Cruz. In 1863, amid the Christie Question, it reactivated but remained under Santa Cruz’s command.
The late 19th century saw modernization efforts. Marshal Hermes da Fonseca oversaw new construction on the highest part of the terrain. This new section incorporated into Forte Barão do Rio Branco in 1938. It boasted four 150mm cannons.
Today, Forte do Pico offers incredible views. You can see Guanabara Bay. It is a beautiful sight. The ruins evoke images of medieval castles. One can almost imagine knights emerging. Yet, these are the remains of an 18th-century military garrison. It is a reminder of Brazil’s history.
In 1891, both Forte do Pico and Forte de São Luiz were connected. They formed a single complex. This was during the deactivation of many Brazilian fortifications. Its strategic location was key. It protected the bay and Fortaleza de Santa Cruz from attack.
A notable event occurred during the Republic. In 1892, a rebellion was led by 2nd Sergeant Silvério Macedo. His goal was to restore Deodoro da Fonseca to power. The rebels seized Fortaleza de Santa Cruz. They freed prisoners, seized cannons, and captured officers. They began firing on Fortaleza de Laje.
Two battalions from Forte do Pico quelled the revolt. The ships commanded by Almirante Custódio de Melo bombarded the rebels by sea. Later, this same Almirante led the Armada Revolt. However, troops from Fortaleza de Santa Cruz and Forte do Pico defeated him. They remained loyal to the republican government of Floriano Peixoto.
In 1918, President Wenceslau Braz completed another fortification. It was on the highest part of the hill. It featured modern 280-millimeter howitzers from Germany. By 1965, these were obsolete and the Forte deactivated.
Today, the ruins of Forte do Pico stand imposingly. Stone watchtowers and walls are partially covered by vegetation. Two grand entrance gates remain. Corridors, galleries, and tunnels are filled with mystery. Wide rocky courtyards invite exploration.
From the summit, the views are breathtaking. Fortaleza de Santa Cruz, Morro da Urca, and Sugarloaf Mountain can be seen. On the other side, Forte do Imbuí and the vast Atlantic stretch out. Forte do Pico connects us to a rich past. It provides us with unforgettable views.