Forte Nossa Senhora Assuncao

This is the Fort that started the city of Fortaleza within the state of Ceara in Brazil. The fort is called Nossa Senhora Assuncao which basically translated is the Virgin Mary that watches over the fort itself.

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Martim Soares Moreno which is the founder of Ceara was born in Santiago do Cacem, Portugal in 1585 and arrived in Brazil in 1603. Later he went to Ceara in 1605 and on January 20, of 1612 took over Ceara and had control of it with the help of the indians that inhabited it at the time. He had joined forces with the indians in helping them fight their own enemies.

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In a location called River Siara which is now called Barra Do Ceara he had built a fortress that he named Sao Sebastiao. While he fought along side the indians as they where his new found family he had fallen in love with an indian woman whom had later gave birth to his son. Iracema the tabajara lady was the one whom gave birth to his son.



The fortress now is called "Nossa Senhora Assuncao" and was taken over by the Brazilian Army in 1993. The fort has a museum inside but is only open from Monday through Friday 8am to Noon and Monday through Thursday if you choose to go later from 2pm to 6pm.

Beira Mar Fortaleza Brazil

My wife and I in Beira Mar Fortaleza Brasil Beach

I recently came back to Brazil after being gone for the last couple of years. However the difference this time is that I have come to get married and live here in Fortaleza, Brazil.

The part of Fortaleza I am in is called Beira Mar and is a popular tourist destination for both Brazilians, Europeans and Americans alike that come here year round. At night you can walk on the beach and feel the warm water hit your feet. This part of the city is popular and has been used in countless music songs both Brazilian and foreign.

Statue de Iracema

I highly suggest if you plan on visiting any part of Brazil is to rent a flat if you are planning to stay a while. A flat will usually run in the Beira Mar area in the neighborhood of $R1200 to $1500 Reis which is about US$687- US$860 per month from the time I write this post with the dollar being at $1.74 to the Brazilian Real. Plus a deposit of usually between US$200-$400 which is of course refundable at the end of your stay. Something you should know is that this includes what is called condominio which covers your water bill, security and building maintenance fees that are included in your monthly rent.

My wifes shot of Fortaleza Beach

Hotels are expensive in the tourist spots so you will find a flat a better option for your stay. Flats offer a fully furnished unit, sort of like an apartment only a flat offers more services such as laundry and a maid to make up your room. Flats are also typically smaller then an apartment too.

At a local Restaurant on Beira Mar

The picture above is a restaurant my wife and I came across on the beach. The prices are pretty reasonable being that its in a tourist district the prices are not that bad. In US dollars we spent about $30 for the both of us to eat there including drinks and tip.

Below is a video of my 9th floor view of the beach on Beira Mar. A very beautiful view of the beach and sometimes you will find lots of surfers riding the waves on a clear day with high waves.

Driving to Beira Mar