Sights around Praia do Futuro
Although the beach of Praia
do Futuro is the main reason for visiting, and eating,
drinking and relaxing at the
Barracas are the main activities, this is actually also
an interesting area for sightseeing.
Metropolitan Cathedral - starting in 1939 but only
completed in 1978 this is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic
architecture. Despite the rather grimy exterior the
inside has gleaming white walls and is a place of
tranquility in the busy city. Please remember this is
a place of Catholic worship and decent attire is necessary to
enter.
The Central Market - during the daytime this is
the best place to buy local handicrafts. Located next
to the Cathedral it is a modern building with sweeping
curved walkways inside, but the stalls are traditional and
haggling over prices and inspecting in detail the fabrics
and woven goods is expected. It is open Weekdays 8am
to 6:30pm, and on Saturdays it closes on 4pm. Some but not
all stalls will open on Sundays but only in the morning.
Fort Schoonemborck or Fortress of Nossa Senhora
da Assunção - the fortress after which the city was
named this goes back to 1640s when it was built by the Dutch
colonials.
Ponte Metálica also called the English Bridge
- Built by an English engineer named Henry Ellery in the
style of the "pleasure piers" which were popular in his
homeland.
Feirinha de Artesanato, Feirinha da Beira-Mar, Feirinha do Náutico
or Av Beira Mar Night Market in Fortaleza - the Handicraft fair by the
sea which is open only during the evenings with the stall
holders starting to set up in later afternoon after the heat
of the day has passed. Bargaining is of course
expected but please remember these are skilled workmen
creating pieces of traditional art to earn their living, so
do not haggle too hard! Find it near the Meireles
Beach.
Center of Tourism in the Old Public Jail -
a historic colonial era building that now is open to the
public to enter, and more importantly, to leave whenever
they wish to!
O Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura or
Dragon of the Sea Art and Cultural Center - the cultural
and performing arts center for the city
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