Brazil’s fifth largest city began life in 1654 as the Dutch fortress of Shoonenbroch. Soon captured by the Portuguese, the citadel was renamed Fortaleza de Pequena de Braganca. While Fortaleza has been the capital of Ceara State since 1799, the city’s true growth came in the second half of the 20th century as Brazilians began flocking to Northeastern Brazil, drawn by the area’s superb climate and beaches. Today, Fortaleza is a thriving city of some two million souls.
Ceara State was the first state in Brazil to abolish slavery at the end of the 19th century. While travelers instinctively head for such famous beaches as Cumbuco, historic Fortaleza offers treasures of its own.