Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Assunção
The origin of the city's name: a 17th-century fortress begun by the Dutch and rebuilt by the Portuguese, now a military command headquarters.
The city of Fortaleza (meaning “fortress”) takes its name from this fort. The Dutch established Fort Schoonenborch in 1649. The Portuguese seized it in 1654, renamed it and rebuilt it, and in 1816 it was reconstructed into the stone form seen today. The fort is now the headquarters of the 10th Military Region of the Brazilian Army. It has a small display and gun emplacements. Visitors usually need to book in advance or can only enter on open days, but photography is possible from outside and from the gun positions. It sits next to the Central Market and the cathedral and can be visited on the way.
Opening hours
Interior visits by reservation only (subject to military arrangements)
Nearby sights
- Passeio Público
- Mercado Central de Fortaleza
- Catedral Metropolitana de Fortaleza
- Centro de Turismo do Ceará (EMCETUR)
- Museu do Ceará
- Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura
- Pinacoteca do Ceará
- Theatro José de Alencar