The iron auditorium
In Art Nouveau style.
FcoElianDuarte — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Joelkaula — CC BY-SA 4.0 · MTur Destinos — Public domain
The Theatro José de Alencar is the most beautiful of Fortaleza's historic buildings, named after the famous Brazilian novelist born in Ceará and officially opened on 17 June 1910. Its façade is eclectic in style, while the auditorium is Art Nouveau, with three tiers of ornate balconies seating 800, and it is listed as a national monument. Besides the main hall the complex has a small auditorium, an open-air stage, a library, schools of dance and theatre directing, and a garden designed by the celebrated Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. Guided visits run several times a day through the auditorium, the balconies and the building's halls; booking ahead is wise as groups are limited. On the 17th of each month the visits are free.
In Art Nouveau style.
Beside the theatre.
Several times a day.
Praça José de Alencar, central Fortaleza
Mercado Central, FortalezaThe Mercado Central is Fortaleza's biggest handicraft market, in the city centre12 minutes walk4.3
Dragão do Mar Centre of Art and CultureThe Dragão do Mar Centre is a large cultural complex of 30,000 square metres in 18 minutes walk4.4
Ponte dos Ingleses (English Bridge)The Ponte dos Ingleses is a long pier reaching out to sea from Praia de Iracema,24 minutes walk4.6On the 17th of each month; on other days the guided visit costs R$12, half price R$6.