There has been a religious structure on the site of the current Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza since 1612, when Spanish settlers built a fort here and attached a small chapel on the side. Through the years of Dutch and Flemish rule, several more churches were built and destroyed. Work on the current construction did not begin until 1939 and took almost 40 years to complete. The French engineer Georges Mounier masterminded the design after being inspired by the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The first thing you will see as you approach the cathedral are its spear-shaped towers, which stand at 245 feet (74.5 metres) tall. Notice the contrast between the simple stonework of the towers and the Romanesque cupola towards the back of the cathedral. Explore the exterior further and admire the arched doorways and large, ornate windows.
Enter the cathedral to experience the light streaming in through spectacular stained-glass windows. The high-vaulted ceilings and airy interior combined with the colourful windows make for a breathtaking first impression. The cathedral can hold 5,000 people. Explore the two chapels just inside the entrance, each dedicated to one of the area’s most important saints. On the left is the Chapel of St. Joseph, patron saint of the state of Ceará in which Fortaleza is located. To the right, find the Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption. Head toward the centre of the sanctuary to see one of the cathedral’s other highlights, an altar originally from Verona, Italy.
The cathedral is located in the town centre, close to the Central Market of Fortaleza and several public transport hubs. It is open daily, although visiting times are restricted on weekends when services are held. There is no admission fee for entry.
