Doni Clemons
There was a time when instead of it’s beach, the site most emblematic of Copacabana was the Forte de Copacabana. The fort was inaugurated in 1914 as a military base located on the south end of Copacabana beach.t’s main purpose was to the aim of strengthening the defense of Guanabara Bay. At the time was considered the most impenetrable site in South America. In 1987, the Fort de Copacabana ceased using the Coast Artillery Batteries. And today the fort is open to the public as a Museum of the History of the Army (or Museu Historico do Exercito). The museum features photos, sculptures and artifacts that chronicle the history of the Brazilian military and also stages non-military related events, often having groups like orchestras play with the sea in the background. There is also an artillery park which houses 19th and 20th century artillery pieces which were used by the army on the base.
