Fortaleza, BrazilSource: 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, FortalezaSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Farol_antigo_de_Fortaleza.jpg
Author: David Moraes de Andrade
Seminário da Prainha, FortalezaSource: 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, FortalezaSource: 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
- Centro de Turismo
Craft market housed in the former prison building.
- Forte Nossa Senhora da Assunção
The oldest fort in Fortaleza, first built by the Dutch in 1649 as Fort Schooonenborch, later captured by the Portuguese and renamed in 1654.
- Museu do Ceará
Museum celebrating the history of the province of Ceará.
- Praia de Cumbuco
Popular playground for the city folks, this beach has a variety of watersports from kayaking to jetskiing.
- Praia de Iracema
An urban coastal neighborhood that today has the liveliest nightlife and restaurants.
- Praia de Meireles
The nicest urban beach in Fortaleza. It has parasols on the beach and waterside cafés.
- Praia do Futuro
One of the best swimming beaches in Fortaleza, stretching 11 km in length, with a vibrant nightlife.
- Teatro José de Alencar
Victorian cast-iron theater building built in 1908 and named after a famous Brazilian novelist.
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2003-2025 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.