The Montenegro Fort

heritage and social memory

Abstract

The author highlights – in the city of Olinda, state of Pernambuco (Brazil) – the urban place and the physical characteristics of the disappeared Montenegro Fort, built in 1808. Some studies on this military building – carried out by researchers from Pernambuco – bring misconceptions that need clarification. Bearing that in mind, the author resorts to historical documentation, from which he collects incontestable and corroborative information about the Fort, the authorship of the building blueprint and its evolution over time. A field survey carried out in the urban area of Olinda brought additional information and insights from the popular view of Montenegro Fort. The findings consolidate the permanence of the image of the fort/lighthouse in social memory.

Keywords: Olinda. Montenegro Fort. Lighthouse. Social Memory.