Fortaleza is a Brazilian municipality and Ceará State capital city. It is also an important tourist, commercial and financial center, and one of the three most important cities of Northeast region of Brazil, next to Recife and Salvador.
Founded in 1726, the city became a capital in 1799, when Ceará obtained its administrative autonomy. Its name refers to The Schoonenborch Fortress, built by the Dutch who were in the region between 1649 and 1654. This fortress is where the History of Fortaleza started. The name means Fort of Our Lady of the Rising. The fort was built by Dutch captain Matias Beck in 1649, It was reclaimed by the Portuguese in 1654, and the name was changed to Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora de Assunção. The fortress was refurbished many times, and since 1942 it has been the headquarter of the 10a. Military Region of the Brazilian Army. The place is open for visitors, but there is very little publicity about this fact. To visit the fortress, approach the soldier who stands guard in front of the main entrance; he will direct you to the main office, and the person in charge will explain briefly what can be seen and will authorize the visit.
There is a museum inside the fort, dedicated to General Antonio de Sampaio, who was born in Ceará and became a hero in the War of Paraguay, in the 19th century; the General was buried in the fort, and some of his personal belongings are in exhibition. In the outside yard, visitors can appreciate a view of the sea, like it was in the 17th century; original canons are exposed. There is also a statue of Martins Soares Moreno, another hero of Ceará.
Fortaleza has 25 kms beaches and it is at 21 MASL. High dunes and warm waters are the characteristic features of Fortaleza beaches, The spectacular landscapes offered by these beaches and their vibrant entertainment options attract thousands of tourists every day. The weather, of course, accompanies: sun and heat during the entire year. Some of the most visited beaches are:
Iracema beach: Located in the center of the city, it is the most traditional beach of Fortaleza. Its waters are not recommended for baths but, in compensation, an inexhaustible supply of bars, restaurants and hotels, which make Iracema a focus of the urban nightlife, spreads around. The Dragão do Mar Cultural Center, located on the beach, is one of the favorite walks for locals and visitors.
Praia Do Futuro: With the clearest waters of Fortaleza, it is the most recommended beach for bathing and swimming. It is also famous for its numerous kiosks, restaurants and bars, especially at night. Praia Do Futuro is one of the busiest in the city, especially on weekends. It is also a paradise for surfers thanks to its high waves and auspicious winds. The beach is located 11 kilometers from the center of Fortaleza, in an environment more removed from the noise and urban movement.
Praia Da Barra do Ceará: Famous for its sunsets, this beach has an immense historical value for being the place where the Cearense conquest began. The beach is next to the mouth of Ceará River, which makes it unfit for bathing. However, the entertainment is assured in the leisure area of ??the beach, where a restaurant, bar and playground operates.
Praia Do Meireles: Both day and night, Meireles is one of the liveliest beaches, In its margin are numerous restaurants, bars and hotels, as well as the picturesque Handicraft Fair and the famous Yacht Club. Walks, shopping trips and meals in traditional barracks are favorite activities of those who visit Meireles.
Mucuripe: The old Farol do Mucuripe crowns this beach with calm waters and an inlet shape. The beach is a continuation of Meireles and is also an ideal setting for walking contemplating the landscape. Emblematic "jangadas" with their colorful candles give tourists a splendid photographic panorama. Rafts also offer water rides. Near jangadas area is the traditional fish market and, further south, the Port of Mucuripe.
Fortaleza is fun and Sun. Sun is on 25 kilometres of beaches and Party is the permanent state of spirit of the people and the city.