Centro de Turismo, also called Emcetur, is a craft market and tourist information point on Rua Senador Pompeu in central Fortaleza. Its 19th-century former jail is part of the visit: stalls now occupy the old cells, and the upper floors house museums of popular art and minerals. Browse Ceará handicrafts such as lace, towels, T-shirts, tablecloths and dresses, or ask vendors about their products. The building has wheelchair-accessible entry and parking.
A former jail in central Fortaleza
Centro de Turismo do Ceará, known as Emcetur, occupies a former public jail on Rua Senador Pompeu in the city centre. The building dates to the 19th century and was built along simple, classical lines. Its history is visible in the layout: craft stalls now sit in the former cells.
The converted building gives the market its distinctive setting. You can look at the old structure as you move between shops, where local artisans sell work and souvenirs from Ceará.
Craft stalls and museums
The stalls sell a range of handmade and local goods, including lace, towels, T-shirts, tablecloths and dresses. Other items associated with the market include cashew nuts, liqueurs and hammocks. Take time to look through the different shops, and ask vendors about the products. Some can help in English, and bargaining is an option when you are interested in buying something.
The upper floors hold the Museu de Arte e Cultura Populares and the Museu de Minerais. The popular art museum displays religious and folk objects, along with local crafts and sculptures. The mineral museum has precious and semiprecious stones from Ceará and the Northeast.
Tourist information
Emcetur also has a tourist information point. You can stop there for information about attractions and activities in Fortaleza and its surroundings. The market and museums make it useful to set aside time beyond a quick information stop.
The address is Rua Senador Pompeu, 350, in Centro. The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible. Visiting on a weekday can help you avoid the weekend crowds.
FAQ
What can you buy at Centro de Turismo?
The stalls sell Ceará handicrafts and souvenirs, including lace, towels, T-shirts, tablecloths and dresses. Cashew nuts, liqueurs and hammocks are also among the goods found there.
What museums are inside Centro de Turismo?
The upper floors house the Museu de Arte e Cultura Populares, with religious and folk items, crafts and sculptures, and the Museu de Minerais, with stones from Ceará and the Northeast.
Is Centro de Turismo in a former jail?
Yes. The craft market and tourist information point occupy a former 19th-century public jail, with stalls set in the old cells.
Is Centro de Turismo wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible.
