Fortaleza, Brazil

Fortaleza, Brazil
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Photos_004.jpg
Author: Tom Junior


Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceará, and the fifth largest city in Brazil. Located in northeastern Brazil, it covers 313 sq km (121 sq mi) and has a population of 2.45 million people (2011 estimate), within a metropolitan area of 3.6 million people.br>
Fortaleza is blessed with a pleasant climate all year round. Its tropical wet and dry climate is characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, moderated by a pleasant wind that blows in from the Pacific Ocean. The temperature is quite uniform. Highs are around 30-31°C (86-88°F) while lows are between 21°C (70°F) in August to 25°C (77°F)in January.

The history of Fortaleza began in 1500, when Spaniard Vicente Pinzón arrived and named the area Santa Maria de la Consolación. A fort, the Fortim de São Tiago, was built at the mouth of the Ceará River in 1603.

Mucuripe Old Lighthouse, Fortaleza
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Farol_antigo_de_Fortaleza.jpg
Author: David Moraes de Andrade


Seminário da Prainha, Fortaleza
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seminario_prainha_02.jpg
Author: Arouck


Following in the heels of the Portuguese was the Dutch, who built a rival fortress, Fort Schoonenborch. After the Portuguese quickly expelled the Dutch from the area, they renamed the Dutch fort as Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Assunção. This was how the name Fortaleza came to be used. In 1799, when the Province of Ceará was created from the Province of Pernambuco, Fortaleza was selected to be the state capital.

Today commerce and tourism are the mainstays of Fortaleza's economy. The city has a manufacturing base producing leather goods, footwear and textile. Its well-developed infrastructure means it is also a regional events and shopping destination.

Praia do Futuro, Fortaleza
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Futuro_Beach,_Fortaleza,_Brazil_6.jpg
Author: Jorge Andrade

Visiting Fortaleza

The Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR) is the airport serving Fortaleza. It is named after Ceará-born aviator Euclides Pinto Martin (1892-1924) who pioneered the air link between New York City and Rio de Janeiro. The airport receives flights from cities in Brazil as well as from Amsterdam, Lisbon and Madrid. From the airport, take bus 404 to downtown Fortaleza. The bus stops at the main bus terminal from where you can change to buses for other parts of the city.

Places of Interest in Fortaleza

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