The English Bridge in South America!

Another beautiful sunny warm and humid day where decided months ago that we would do this port exploring on our own.  Fortaleza is known as a city of life being described as vibrant with 2.6 million people. There are 16 miles of white sandy beaches and lots of different markets to explore if you have the time.   It’s an overcast day for us which is good as it keeps some of those rays of the sun blocked. The ship provides us with a free shuttle here so this is a good place to do some walking and looking. 

Coming into town on the bus from the port area always gives us some perspective of the shape and condition of the town.  Most port towns are old, historic and have been heavily used since the time of pirates.   A few ports are much more modern but then others just improve what is absolutely necessary to get by. 

Sad to see the graffiti on this religious statue that we pass 

Another historic building with interesting architecture but no signage that I could see.  Maybe a church or school

A park well used near where the shuttle dropped us off. There were lots of benches but few people around. 

Access to the beach areas and boardwalk 

Another shot of the park. 

The Mercado Central here is a giant four floor structure being under cover but no AC. Since 1809 this market area has existed going from mostly selling food to now merchandise and a few restaurants.  It’s amazing that there are so many vendors making it here because not much is unique or different from shop to shop.  It’s not  really organized by levels; you just have to walk up to each floor and pass by each stall hoping there might be a better price or something you can’t live without and need to pack home.  You can haggle here if that is your thing but many vendors don’t accept your offer.  We are in this port from 8-6 pm.  

Inside the huge Mercado!  

Old but still standing.  Lots of stairs to get from top to bottom floors 



A lady tried to get me to buy a spinning top but getting her calico cat the play with it!!

Unusual art piece for sure but how would you get it home?

 This picture is deceiving but this cat is asleep high up in some tree branches by the pink building which also house a little handicraft market. 


This is the pink building and the cat was in the tree to the left!

Inside the pink building. 

Lovely beaches if you have time and clean 

This is the historic English Bridge!

The tall historic clock town in the main square 

And the planetarium is here too

The unique theater building… you can see you the iron and steel 

Inside photo of the theater 

The old Dutch fort which now houses the military 


The famous Cathedral.  

A picture of the stained glass on the cathedral 

From the shuttle drop off to the Mercado is not a long walk but it allows us to see how run down much of the area is. 

The Fortaleza Cathedral took 40 years to build and was inspired by the French.    It is the 3rd largest Cathedral in Brazil.  

Fort Shoonemborch was originally built by the Dutch in 1649 and then rebuilt in 1817 but now serves the existing  military. 

Very few people speak English here which can make communicating challenging but if you are on a tour they always provide English speaking guides.  If you take a cab just make sure before you hop in that the driver speaks English!  

The Theatre José de Alencar was built in 1910 but  restored in 1989.  It is built mostly of steel and iron.  Sometimes you can pay a fee to take a tour there or if you are lucky there might be a performance scheduled while you are there but not when we were here.  

The Dragao Center of  Art Culture and History exhibits paintings, puppets and has book stores there.  Their Planetarium was built with German technology which surprised me.  

Pracca de Ferreira or the Main City Square is known for its tall slender clock built in 1833.  It’s sad how many of these city squares had clocks but how few are still working. 

The English Bridge was built in 1906 and was a famous docking area until the new port was developed in 1940.  It was a favorite meeting place and one of the most photographed!!

Iracema Beach is a beautiful stretch for joggers, walkers, and dog walkers with bars , restaurants and warm calm waters.  

The distance from our ship to the town center is five miles so too far to walk although there is a couple from maybe Austria who brought with them their fold up bikes!!  They take them off at many ports but I don’t think it’s advisable for folks.  The streets and sidewalks are uneven and rough, you probably miss out on the sights around you because you have to pay close attention to traffic and people and if you get off them you better have a very strong sturdy lock and a pole to lock to!  

The ship shuttle ran about every 30 minutes so we planned to be back at the meeting stop within plenty of time for the all aboard. 

There is an Ecological Park for conservation of the natural life of the Coco river which is within the city and reduces the air temperature in the city.  It also absorbs the rain which helps with flooding.  

Limited terminal services are available here meaning for the crew most likely no internet or shopping for them.