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Quase 450 anos de história
The original structure dates from 1585, built of rammed earth by the German Cristóvão Linz at the initiative of captain-major Frutuoso Barbosa. When Barbosa left Cabedelo, the fortification was destroyed by indigenous people and rebuilt in the early seventeenth century.
It held out against Dutch attacks until 1634, when it finally fell. In 1637 Maurice of Nassau renamed it Fort Margarida — the works of that period are still evidenced today by Dutch bricks in the masonry. With the restoration of Portuguese rule in 1654 it went back to being called Santa Catarina.
O que se vê na visita
You can see the Santa Catarina chapel, the art gallery housed in the old prison and the collection of engravings in the quarters. There are preserved cannon and, from the top of the walls, the view opens onto the Paraíba River and the port.
An old artesian well sits in the grassed courtyard. There are also two small craft shops, toilets and a drinking fountain — but no food is sold inside the fortress.
Horário, ingresso e como chegar
Opening hours are 8am to 5:30pm. A token entrance fee is charged; check the amount on arrival, because it changes from time to time.
The address is Rua Francisco Serafim, at Praia de Ponta de Matos, Cabedelo/PB. By car, ride-hailing app or tour, it is about 30 minutes from the João Pessoa seafront.
We work with local partners in João Pessoa for airport transfers, guided tours and car rental. Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll point you to the right one.
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