CASTLES PERNAMBUCO

The Castle of John Capon in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, is a remarkable personal achievement built by João Capão, an electrician and plumber turned craftsman who single-handedly constructed this medieval-inspired castle. Completed after decades of work before his death in 2016 at age 81, the castle features imposing architecture blending historical elements with distinctive design. Today, his family operates the site with a restaurant and shop, and visitors can don royal costumes for immersive photographs. The castle has become one of Garanhuns' most visited attractions, embodying the power of personal vision and dedication.

Castelo dos Torres in Pesqueira, Pernambuco, is an elaborate 2,000-square-meter castle constructed between 1999 and 2014 by businessman Edvonaldo Torres. Spanning four floors and standing 35 meters tall, the structure showcases Greek, Ionian, and Roman architectural influences. Its ornate front facade displays numerous decorative figures including lions, angels, dragons, and pinecones crafted from plaster and concrete. Though primarily a private residence, the castle has become a mandatory tourist visit due to its striking visibility throughout the city, attracting visitors who admire its theatrical architecture and towering silhouette.

San Francisco Fort, affectionately known as "the cheese fort" due to its modest size, overlooks São Francisco Beach in the Farol neighborhood of Olinda. Constructed in the late 1620s as a brushwood and earth redoubt under Matias de Albuquerque during threats of Dutch invasion, it exemplifies the defensive fortifications built along Pernambuco's coast. The original structure was significantly rebuilt during the 19th century and underwent comprehensive restoration in the 1970s. Located at Largo do Fortim, the fort features cannons mounted on granite bases facing the Atlantic, surrounded by colorful colonial architecture and vibrant coastal atmosphere. The site encapsulates Olinda's maritime heritage while remaining an active landmark within the town's historic district.

Fortress of Our Lady of Remedies stands prominently on Fernando de Noronha, a remote Atlantic island, representing the most significant fortification in the island's 18th-century Portuguese defensive system. Construction began in 1737 and took 41 years to complete, with the fortress positioned on a hill between Santo António Bay and Cachorro Beach. Built atop a former Dutch fort, it features impressive 2.9-meter-high walls with 3.5-meter-thick bases and once housed seven cannon batteries totaling 27 guns, many of which remain visible today. Expanded and restored in 1859, the fortress served dual purposes as both a coastal defense and as a political prisoner detention facility. The well-preserved structure continues to demonstrate sophisticated military engineering adapted to the island's strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean.