Fortaleza

Fortaleza is capital of the state of Ceará in the northeast of Brazil. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. As it is located near the equator, the seawater is warm all year round.

History
The city was founded in 1611 by the Portuguese Martim Soares Moreno who fell in love with the Amerindian girl Iracema. José de Alencar has written a famous novel about this romance. There is a statue of Iracema waiting for her sailing lover at the beach Praia do Mucuripe.

The northeast of Brazil was occupied by the Dutch between 1630 and 1654. In 1649 they built the fortress Fort Schoonenborch. After the area was reconquered by the Portuguese, the renamed the fortress as Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Assunção.

In 1823, shortly after the independence of Brazil, the Brazilian emperor granted city rights to Fortaleza. In the process, the city was renamed as Fortaleza de Nova Bragança. During this century, more and more cotton was exported from the port of Fortaleza to the British empire. As a result, Fortaleza became economically stronger and stronger until it finally became capital of Ceará.

Getting there
Because Fortaleza is situated on the north-eastern coast of Brazil, getting there from Europe or North America requires a shorter flight than most Brazilian cities. If you are already in Brazil, you can go there by domestic flight or you can take a bus.

Beaches
Important beaches are Praia do Mucuripe, Praia de Iracema, Praia do Meireles and the Praia do Futuro. There are busy as well as serene beaches. At the Praia do Mucuripe, small fisher boats called jangadas contrast fascinatingly with the modern architecture of the city. This beach is popular among those who like water sports. Local artisans sell their handicrafts at the Praia do Meireles every night.

City
The Praça do Ferreira is the most important city square. It is surrounded by shops, restaurants and cinemas.

The best street artists perform at the Praça José de Alencar. It is named after the writer, lawyer and politician José de Alencar who wrote a novel about the founder of the city. This square is bordered by a small but beautiful park and the José de Alencar Theatre which was built in 1908.

Culture
The Museum for Art and Popular Culture (Museu de Arte e Cultura Popular) is situated in the Rua Senador Pompeu nearby the beach. The museum is situated in a single, large room in the Centro de Turismo. It displays folk art and cultural relicts including some boats.

The new Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura organises many cultural activities. It also has a museum for art. It is located in the Rua Dragão do Mar nearby the beach Praia de Iracema.