Martyrs' Square

Praça dos Mártires , also known as Passeio Público , is the oldest square in the city of Fortaleza , Ceará . Besides the beautiful view of the sea , the square has as natural attractions several ancient trees , such as the famous baobab planted by Senador Pompeu in 1910 . Its current name was defined in January 11 , 1879 by the Municipality of Fortaleza .

History

The square was planned in the 1891s by Silva Paulet . During the government of José Félix de Azevedo and Sá the area was taken care of and in this time the revolutionaries of the Confederation of Ecuador were executed: Azevedo Bolão , Feliciano Carapinima , Francisco Ibiapina , Father Mororó and Pessoa Anta , that were executed in that place in 1825 .

In all the plants of Adolpho Herbster there was mention the future square that in 1864 , the then governor of the province will commission to the Engineer of the Province the budgets of the works.

Built in 1890 in neoclassical style, the square was renovated in 1940in the style of the Public Promenade of Rio de Janeiro .

The public place was the scene of the first matches of soccer of the state , disputed by sailors of ships anchored in the port of the city, English residents in Fortaleza and Cearenses of the upper class .

It was registered by IPHAN on April 13 , 1965 .

During the decade of 1990, the place began to suffer with the abandonment by the public power, and little by little it turned into point of consumption and drug traffic and prostitution. Consequently, the space became little used by the population. This situation was only reversed in the second half of the 2000s, with the revitalization it underwent.

In September 2007 , the last restoration of the plaza held by the City of Fortaleza through FUNCET began with the support of Casa Cor in Ceará. The restored plaza was handed over to the population on a ceremony held on October 6, 2007. Since then, the square has been well attended by families, it has become more vigilant and has attractions such as cafes and restaurants, through partnerships with the initiative toilet.

In the meantime, public authorities continue to concentrate the functions of maintaining the site, not counting on the collaboration of private entities or volunteers, which makes difficult the work, since often lack the resources and capacity of management. The result is that, even restored, the square has been found for some time with some poles and broken statues, as well as poorly maintained gardens. Despite this, it remains one of the most beautiful and well-kept squares in the city.

Source: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praça_dos_Mártires