Fortaleza is the capital of the state of Ceará.
It is one of the three most important cities in the Northeast region of Brazil, along with Recife and Salvador.
It was founded in 1726, and its name refers to the Schoonenborch fortress, built by the Dutch who were in the region between 1649 and 1654.
The city has 34 kilometers of beaches.
See more about how to get to Fortaleza
See also information on Recife.