Beaches are the top draw in this sunny, rapidly developing city, particularly bohemian, party-hearty Iracema, family-friendly Meireles, fishing and boating base camp Mucuripe and low-key Praia do Futuro. Stalls at the Mercado Central or Feirinha Beira Mar brim with local handicrafts, ranging from ceramics to lacework and leather goods. The Dutch-built Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assunção in the city center, constructed in 1649, marks the spot where Fortaleza originated.