Fortaleza is the capital of the state of Ceará, an important tourist, commercial and financial center.
Together with Recife and Salvador, it is one of the three most important cities in the Northeast region of Brazil.
Founded in the year 1726, it became the capital in the year 1799.
Its name refers to the Schoonenborch fortress, built by the Dutch who were in the region between 1649 and 1654.
It is located on the coast of the state and has 34 kilometers of beaches.
Fortaleza is the closest Brazilian capital to Europe, located 5,608 km from Lisbon, Portugal.
See more about the history of Fortaleza
See also information on Recife.