Messejana is one of Fortaleza’s most traditional neighborhoods. Before it became part of the capital it was a town and later a municipality of its own, and it still feels like a small city within the city: a lagoon, a parish church, a busy street market and a strong neighborhood life.

Whether you have just moved to the south zone or are visiting, here is what to see in Messejana, how lash care fits into daily life there, and where to find Niely Oliveira — Studio de Cílios in nearby Cambeba.

A neighborhood with history

Messejana’s growth began with the Jesuits. On 1 January 1760, after the order was expelled from Brazil, the town of Vila Nova de Messejana da América was founded. It remained a municipality until 1921, when it became a district of Fortaleza.

That past explains why Messejana has its own center, with busy commerce and services used by people from across the region.

What to see in Messejana

Lagoa de Messejana

The lagoon is the neighborhood’s postcard. Its water surface has been protected as municipal heritage since 1987, and the lakeside was redeveloped by the city, with the works delivered in April 2024. The wooden pier was restored and reopened to visitors, and a new amphitheater for arts and culture was added.

It is a pleasant place for a walk, a catch-up with friends or a sunset with the family.

The Iracema statue

In the lagoon stands “Banho de Iracema”, a sculpture unveiled in 2004 and inspired by the heroine of José de Alencar’s novel Iracema. Its face was modeled on Natália Nara, winner of a contest to choose the “muse of Ceará”. The 2024 works repaired the fiberglass and installed new plumbing, so water flows over the statue again.

Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

The parish church stands on the site of the original Jesuit chapel, which became a parish in 1871 — one of the landmarks of Messejana’s history.

The Messejana street market

The Feira de Messejana is one of Fortaleza’s largest street markets. It runs every day and gets busiest on weekends — a good way to feel the rhythm of the neighborhood.

Casa de José de Alencar

In the area, on Av. Washington Soares, is the Casa de José de Alencar, a cultural venue run by the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) in the neighborhood named after the writer. The house where Alencar was born now holds exhibition rooms and a green area — a natural pairing with a visit to the Iracema statue.

Everyday Messejana

Messejana is also a service hub for the south zone. The Hospital de Messejana, designed in 1930 by architect Emílio Hinko, receives patients from all over Ceará, and the neighborhood is also home to the Messejana integrated bus terminal.

Lash care for Messejana life

  • Lagoon walk? Wait 24 hours. For the first 24 hours after your appointment, avoid water, steam, sauna and heavy sweating.
  • Wash daily. Fortaleza’s heat means sweat and oil build up on your lashes. Clean them every day with lash foam and a soft brush.
  • Mind your products. Use an oil-free remover, and skip waterproof mascara and the lash curler.
  • Plan refills. A set looks its best for about 3 to 4 weeks, with a refill every 15 to 21 days. See how often to get a lash refill.

If you notice persistent itching, redness, burning or eye pain, stop using products around your eyes and see an ophthalmologist or dermatologist.

Beauty in Messejana and the south zone

Messejana and its neighbors offer a wide range of beauty services — lash studios, brow designers, waxing, nail and hair salons — so most of your routine can stay close to home.

For lashes, it pays to see a specialist. Niely Oliveira — Studio de Cílios is in Cambeba, near Messejana, at Av. Pedro Lazar, 633, 1st floor, with Lago Jacarey as the landmark. Appointments are private and scheduled, and the services are Brazilian volume, Russian volume, lash lifting and refills.

If it is your first set, Brazilian volume is often a good choice: Y-shaped fibers for light, natural volume. To feel prepared, read what to expect at your first eyelash extension appointment.

Learn more about the studio in eyelash extensions in Cambeba, and make a day of it with our guide to things to do at Lago Jacarey.

Book your appointment

Live in Messejana or nearby? Choose your service and time on the online booking page. The deposit is paid by Pix or card and deducted from the total, and your confirmation and prep instructions arrive on WhatsApp.