The Catedral Metropolitana de Fortaleza, dedicated to São José, dominates the Praça da Sé in the city centre with its neo-Gothic towers and ornate Portuguese stone facade. Construction began in 1897 and dragged on for more than six decades — the cathedral was not consecrated until 1978. The result is a building with unusual architectural coherence given the span of its construction: the French neo-Gothic style was maintained throughout, giving the interior a cool, light-filled quality that feels European transplanted to the tropics.
The stained glass windows were crafted in Germany and are among the finest in Brazil. The cathedral is in regular use as Fortaleza's main Catholic church, and mass times draw large, devout congregations. The surrounding Praça da Sé is a lively square with street vendors, pigeons, and a good view back at the façade. This is the logical starting point for a walk through the old city centre.