Fort Copacabana is a military base that can be found at the south of the world-renowned Copacabana beach. It was established in 1914 as a means of coastal defence and included bunkers, control centre rooms, and even Krupp cannons. However, it became a centre of uprising in 1922 during the tenente movement. The Brazilian government in turn sent two battleships – Minas Geraes and São Paulo – in response to the revolt, with the fort surrendering a mere half an hour after it was bombed by the latter. Today, it has been turned into a museum to preserve what is left of history. As was the past, a guard can be found at the entrance, a mandatory act since the fort was opened in 1914. Inside, the museum mainly exhibits military weapons and uniforms that were once used by the Brazilian Army. Don’t forget to check out panoramic views of the area while you’re at the fort, as well as weekly activities held there.

If the fort seems familiar to you, it may be because it was part of the route used for various events in the 2016 Summer Olympics.