It was founded on the Feast of the Epiphany in 1616, which inspired the name 'Presépio' (Nativity).
The original construction was a wooden palisade known as Forte do Castelo before being replaced by stone.
Archaeological excavations on-site revealed remnants of ancient Marajoara and Tapajônica indigenous cultures.
The fort's layout includes original 17th-century cannons positioned to overlook the Guajará Bay access.
It is the historical epicenter of the Cidade Velha neighborhood, the oldest part of Belém.
Presépio Fort, also known as Forte do Presépio, is the oldest building in Belém, Brazil, serving as the city's foundation point in 1616. Located at the mouth of the Guajará Bay, the fortification was originally constructed by the Portuguese to defend the Amazon territory from foreign invasions. Today, it operates as the Encontro Museum, housing an extensive archaeological collection retrieved from the fort's own grounds. The museum displays artifacts such as indigenous ceramics, colonial-era metalwork, and items from early European settlers. Visitors can walk along the original stone walls, which offer views of the historic district and the river. The complex also features the Memorial da Fortaleza, providing context on the fort's strategic military role throughout the centuries.
The upper rampart looking toward the Guajará Bay with the vintage cannons in the foreground.
Visit the fort walls during sunset for high-visibility views of the river and bay.
Combine your visit with the nearby Casa das Onze Janelas, which is connected to the fort area.
Wear comfortable footwear, as the site features uneven historical stonework and courtyard surfaces.
Do not rush through the archaeological exhibits, as they provide critical context for the items found during the site's renovation.
Closed on Mondays.
