Forte dos Reis Magos: Brazil's Portuguese Colonial Beginning
The Forte dos Reis Magos — built in 1598 at the mouth of the Potengi River — is where Natal was founded; the star-shaped fort and the city's January 6th founding date make it unique in Brazilian history
- 1
Forte dos Reis Magos architecture
The star-shaped bastion fort – with its five triangular points allowing cannon fire in all directions – is a perfect example of Renaissance military technology transported to tropical Brazil
- 2
Founding of Natal on 6 January
Natal was founded on January 6 (Epiphany) 1598 — the only Brazilian state capital founded on this date; the fort was named after the three kings whose feast day it was, and the town's name means Christmas
- 3
Potengi River View
The fort at the mouth of the river offers views across the Potengi River to the natural sand dunes on the opposite bank - the mouth used by Dutch invaders to capture the city in 1633
- 4
Dutch colonial period
Natal was under Dutch colonial control from 1633 to 1654 – the longest Dutch occupation of any Brazilian city; the Dutch influence in the architecture and local history is documented in the fort's museum
- 5
World War II Role
Natal was an important Allied base during the Second World War - its position made it the closest point in the Americas to Africa; the air base Parnamirim Field was the largest Allied air base in South America
- 6
Historic Center of Natal
The Cidade Alta historic district above the fort preserves colonial buildings, the Cathedral Metropolitana and the Museu Câmara Cascudo — the most important museum of northeastern Brazilian culture