At the southern tip of Copacabana Beach sits this military base, open to the public and blessed with an incredible view across the sea towards Sugarloaf. Also housing the Museum of Army History, the underwater corridors of the defences are an interesting stroll, past bunk beds, the officer's mess and huge artillery magazines that feed the two monstrous canons on the roof. Regular canons also abound, making for unusual companions to a cup of tea at the branch of Confeitaria Colombo within, offering the perfect spot for brunch on a sunny day.