In 1533 the fortaleza, now the governor's palace, was begun at San Juan, and in1539-1584Morro Castle was erected at the entrance of the harbour.
The Nepena, Casma, Huarmey, Fortaleza and Supe rivers rise on the slope of an outer range called the Cordillera Negra, and are consequently dry during the great part of the year.
There are 9 leagues of desert between the Nepena and Casma, 16 between the Casma and Huarmey, and 18 between the Huarmey and Fortaleza.
The state of Ceara has formed a bishopric of the Roman Catholic Church since 1853, the bishop having his residence at Fortaleza.
The capital of the state is Fortaleza, sometimes called Ceara, which is also the principal commercial centre and shipping port.