Forte Príncipe da Beira

Forte Príncipe da Beira stands as a silent sentinel on the banks of the Guaporé River, a testament to the colonial ambitions that once swept through Brazil. Constructed in the 18th century, this imposing structure is one of the most significant military edifices from the colonial era in the Rondônia state of Brazil.

The fort was named in honor of the Prince of Beira, Dom José, and was erected to assert Portuguese sovereignty in the region during the border disputes with Spanish territories. Its strategic location was chosen to prevent Spanish incursions and to protect the valuable natural resources that were abundant in the area.

Despite its military purpose, Forte Príncipe da Beira has a certain architectural elegance, with its squared layout, bastions at each corner, and thick stone walls. These features are characteristic of the star forts of the period, designed to withstand both direct assault and artillery fire. The fort's ruins, though weathered by time, still convey the might and grandeur it once commanded.