Praça Clóvis Beviláqua: A Historic Plaza in Fortaleza

Praça Clóvis Beviláqua, situated in the Centro district of Fortaleza, is a public square with a rich and layered history. Originally known as Praça do Encanamento in the mid-19th century, it marked the expansion of the city's water supply system with the installation of public fountains. Later, it was renamed Praça Visconde de Pelotas, honoring a hero of the Paraguayan War. In 1930, as part of an urban renewal project, the plaza was modernized and renamed Praça da Bandeira. It wasn't until 1959 that it received its current name, paying tribute to Clóvis Beviláqua, a renowned jurist born in Viçosa do Ceará, who drafted the Brazilian Civil Code. A statue of Clóvis Beviláqua stands in the plaza's center. Even with the official name change, many locals still refer to it as Praça da Bandeira. The architecture of Praça Clóvis Beviláqua features a classic design with gardens and a mix of native and ornamental plants. Prominent buildings surround the square, including the Ceará Faculty of Law, adorned with the Obelisco do Ceará, a monument commemorating Brazil's participation in World War II. Recent revitalization efforts aim to enhance pedestrian access, create green spaces, and add urban amenities.