Aquiraz

Distance from Fortaleza: 32 km.
Population: 67,700 inhab.

Aquiraz was founded in 1699, and was the first administrative capital of the region of Ceara.

Aquiraz is one of the cities which comprise the Metropolitan Region of Great Fortaleza; being a neighbor to a hectic city like Fortaleza doesn't disturb the peace in the beaches of Aquiraz.

In Porto das Dunas, for instance, excellent hotels receive the most demanding guests. Porto das Dunas is known for one of the biggest water parks in South America: Beach Park. Besides water slides, waterfalls, snack bars, restaurants, ecologic tours and helicopter and glider flights, the park has a resort and tourist complex offering suites with an ocean view, a game room, a gym and other attractions.

On one side, the sea, on the other, the view of the beautiful wind mills on the dunes. Prainha is also highlighted, it's a place where artists paint jangada sails, portraiting the everyday life of the fishermen before they go to sea in a competition that happens every year, called Navegarte.
Batoque beach, an extractive reserve, is considered to be an example of environmental preservation and peace.
In Iguape, the Lacemaker Center and the works made there, and the beautiful landscape of the beach, struggle for the tourist's attention.

Aquiraz has an important historical role in Ceará because it was the first capital of the state and has tourist attractions to tell the story. In the town, the Religious Art Museum and the Jesuits ruins won't let the history of Aquiraz be forgotten. Another attraction for the visitors is the Art Market, which has artistic shows and workshops.

Sacred Museum São José de Ribamar

On the way to the Sunrise Coastline beaches, going through Aquiraz, tourists must visit the first Sacred Arts Museum in Ceará.
There are 640 pieces, among silver objects, china, images of saints, chandeliers and crosses, most of them donated by Jesuit priests. A rare piece found at the São José de Ribamar Sacred Museum, is the image of Our Lady of Santana from Portugal. It is made of polychromatic wood from the 18th century.

Most of these pieces are made of wood in colonial style. Chandeliers from the 18th and 19th century impress by their beauty. The museum building used to be the old House of Representatives. In 1742, the building was the Public Jail of the region. It is now protected by the Ceará Historic Heritage.
Check out opening hours and contact information of the Sacred Museum São José de Ribamar.

More information about Aquiraz

»Beaches in Aquiraz. Prainha, Batoque, Porto das Dunes (Beach Park).
»Aquiraz. Official site, maintained by the government of Aquiraz.

Source of information: State of Ceara Tourism Authority.