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Messejana
Day trip
📍 Photo of the area coming soon
Messejana
The lagoon with a 12-metre Iracema and the little house where José de Alencar’s story began.
- 📍LocationSouth
- 🗿Iracema12 metres, since 2004
- 🏠Casa de José de AlencarOwned by UFC since 1965
- 🌊LagoonLagoa de Messejana
About Messejana
What is Messejana like?
Messejana lies in the south of Fortaleza and is woven into the story of Iracema. Since 2004 a 12-metre, 16-tonne statue of Iracema has stood by the Lagoa de Messejana, unveiled for the city’s 278th anniversary.
This is also where you will find the Casa de José de Alencar, the house his family bought in 1829. Since 1965 it has belonged to the Federal University of Ceará.
✅ Good for
- A day trip full of stories
- Literature and history
⚠️ Less good for
- A tourist base
- The beach
- Nightlife
Tip: Combine the lagoon statue with the Casa de José de Alencar on the same day.
Experiences
Things to do in Messejana
🗿
Iracema at the Lagoa de Messejana
A 12-metre, 16-tonne statue unveiled in 2004 for Fortaleza’s 278th anniversary and the 175th anniversary of José de Alencar’s birth.
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Casa de José de Alencar
At Avenida Washington Soares 6055: the house his family bought in 1829, three years before he was born. Owned by UFC since 1965.
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The story of Iracema
José de Alencar’s novel gave Praia de Iracema its name; read on there.
Featured in Messejana
Hotels, restaurants and tours in Messejana can feature here.
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Food and drink
See them in the guide →Eating and drinking in Messejana
We do not list any Messejana venues yet. We are expanding the guide.
🍽️
No venues from this area in our guide yet
We are adding places all the time. Browse the whole guide, or tell us about a place we should include.
Where to stay
Hotels in Fortaleza →Staying in Messejana
For visitors, Messejana is mainly a day trip from Meireles or Iracema.
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Meireles
On the promenade.
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Praia de Iracema
For culture and nightlife.
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Edson Queiroz
On the way to Messejana.
Location
Getting around Fortaleza →Getting around from Messejana
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Uber and 99
The easiest way to get there.
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Bus
Routes run along Avenida Washington Soares.
🛡️ Staying safe
In busy places
Keep your phone and bag close in crowds.
At night
Stick to busy, well-used streets and take an Uber or 99 for longer distances.
Swimming
Swim near a staffed lifeguard post and check the flags.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Messejana
How big is the Iracema statue in Messejana?
12 metres tall and 16 tonnes, unveiled in 2004.
Can you visit the Casa de José de Alencar?
The house at Avenida Washington Soares 6055 belongs to UFC; check opening hours before you go.
Sources: Diário do Nordeste: Estátua de Iracema da Lagoa de Messejana · Guia da Semana: Casa José de Alencar
Nearby
All neighbourhoods →Neighbouring areas
🎓Southeast
Edson Queiroz
Home of the University of Fortaleza and Shopping Iguatemi Bosque, close to Parque do Cocó.
See the neighbourhood →🌿Southeast
Cocó
Residential area by Parque do Cocó, the city’s great riverside park.
See the neighbourhood →🦆Southwest
Maraponga
Residential area around the Lagoa da Maraponga park, on Avenida Godofredo Maciel.
See the neighbourhood →
SeafrontPraia de Iracema
Dragão do Mar cultural centre, the Ponte dos Ingleses pier and sunsets over the sea.
See the neighbourhood →Blog
Stories and tips
More about beaches, food and going out in Fortaleza.
Become a partner
A business in Messejana?
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- Available in 8 languages, for an international audience
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- Personal contact, no anonymous self-service portal
Become a partner
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See the options →