Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia

The Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra stands at the very tip of the Barra peninsula in Salvador, where the Bay of All Saints meets the open Atlantic, and it's crowned by the Farol da Barra, the oldest lighthouse in the Americas. Inside the fort, the Nautical Museum of Bahia tells the story of the region's seafaring past, with maps, navigation instruments, and artefacts recovered from shipwrecks. But the real magic is the setting: the white-and-black-striped lighthouse, the historic ramparts, and one of the most famous sunset spots in all of Brazil, where crowds gather each evening to watch the sun sink into the ocean.

It's an essential Salvador experience, combining history, sea views, and that legendary sunset. The surrounding Barra neighbourhood has beaches, a promenade, bars, and restaurants. Time your visit for late afternoon to tour the fort and museum, then stay for the sunset.

Don't miss

• The Farol da Barra, oldest lighthouse in the Americas
• The Nautical Museum's shipwreck artefacts and maps
• Historic ramparts at the bay's Atlantic mouth
• One of Brazil's most famous sunset spots
• The lively Barra beach neighbourhood around it

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia

Cheapest way inGalveston Naval Museum Admission Ticket4.8★ · 12 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →Most bookedBoat Tour Open Bar A Floor Arraial do Cabo4.9★ · 1,142 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleTransfer Iberostar Waves Bahia / Praia do Forte - Private4.9★ · 99 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Time your visit for the famous sunset, one of Brazil's best.
• The Farol da Barra is considered the oldest lighthouse in the Americas.
• Combine with Barra's beaches, promenade, and restaurants.
• Watch your belongings in the busy sunset crowds.

A bit of history

A fort has guarded this strategic point since the late 16th century, defending the entrance to the Bay of All Saints. The Farol da Barra lighthouse, first established in 1698 (rebuilt later), is considered the oldest in the Americas. The fort now houses the Nautical Museum of Bahia.