Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa
The fortress is located in the north of Santa Catarina Island, Florianópolis, approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. Strategically located at the top of the Ponta Grossa hill, framed by the beauty of the cliffs and the sand of Praia do Forte. This fortress formed the second vertex of the fire triangle designed by Brigadier José da Silva Paes, next to the Fortaleza de Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim and Fortaleza de Santo Antônio de Ratones.
Its construction began in 1740. In 1765, to complete its defense on the eastern flank, the São Caetano Battery was built, located next to Praia de Jurerê, approximately 200 meters from the fortress. The São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress is a harmonious architectural complex surrounded by thick walls. The most significant building is the Casa do Comandante, a two-story building that, interestingly enough, also houses the Gunpowder Magazine. The Chapel dedicated to São José is the only building in the Defensive System of Santa Catarina Island that has maintained its original function to this day. Abandoned for decades, it was already completely ruined when it was listed in 1938 as a National Historical and Artistic Heritage Site. In the 1970s and 1980s, the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) carried out the first archeological work, partial restoration of the Chapel and in 1990, the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) concluded the archaeological prospecting process. Today we have a permanent exhibition set up in the Commander's House with some of the artifacts found in the excavations.
