Forte de Santo Antonio Alem do Carmo (Fort of St. Anthony Beyond the Carmo), Salvador

The Fort of Saint Anthony was built in the 18th century with the noble intention of shielding Salvador from Dutch and Spanish invasions. Yet, despite its grand purpose, the fort never saw battle-at the time, it was more of a trench.

Later on, it was expanded and transformed into a prison, particularly during the Military Dictatorship, when it served as a political prison. After falling into disrepair and becoming a hotspot for drug trafficking, cultural groups from Salvador (think artisans, street dancers, and folkloric performers) took matters into their own hands in 1985, occupying the space to rally for its restoration.

Capoeira masters, losing their turf in Pelourinho, also took refuge in the fort and started offering classes. Capoeira ultimately became the sole survivor in the fight for the fort’s revitalization. From 1985 to 1990, the fort doubled as a rehearsal space for the iconic carnival block, Ilê Ayê.

Fast forward to 2006, when a partnership between the Ministry of Culture and the Government of the State of Bahia finally got the ball rolling on a restoration project. Now a national heritage site and managed by the Institute of Cultural Heritage (IPAC), the fort has reclaimed its cultural glory.

Today, it’s a buzzing cultural hub, hosting capoeira activities of all kinds. With seven capoeira masters teaching everything from “Capoeira de Angola“ (as taught by Master Pastinha) to “Capoeira Regional“ (as created by Master Bimba), it’s a place where different styles coexist in harmony, each with its own rules and flair.

The venue is so beautiful that it’s often requested for big events, especially rehearsals for bands and artists; however, any events here must be connected to capoeira.

Access to the fort requires a small voluntary contribution. As for capoeira classes, you’ll need to check in with the masters themselves for pricing-after all, capoeira is an art, and art has its own rhythm!