Praia de Iracema

Praia de Iracema is a sandy beach with an adjoining residential district in Fortaleza in northeastern Brazil. The waterfront promenade runs past a series of monuments and a historic metal pier that extends into the water.

The area served as the main port of the city until 1947 and was known as Porto das Jangadas, where fishing boats and merchant ships docked. Later it lost its port function and developed into a residential district with tourist beaches.

The iron pier arrived from Scotland in the late 19th century and was reassembled here to serve maritime trade. Locals call it the Bridge of the English and walk along its metal walkway to fish or sit above the waves at any time of day.

The district is busy both during the day for beach walks and at night for bars and restaurants. The area around the pier works well for watching the sunset when many visitors gather here.

A statue of Dragão do Mar stands here honoring a fisherman who refused in the 19th century to transport enslaved people on his boat. His protest helped Ceará become one of the first Brazilian states to abolish slavery.