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Teresina is the capital of Piauí in northeastern Brazil, set between the Poti and Parnaíba rivers, famous as the green city for its tree-lined avenues, the meeting of its two rivers and as the gateway to the rock formations of Sete Cidades National Park.
Founded in 1852 as the first planned state capital in Brazil, it replaced the old capital of Oeiras and was named after Empress Teresa Cristina. It is the only capital of the Northeast that is not on the coast, and its hot, sunny climate has earned it a reputation as one of the warmest cities in the country.
Visitors cross the cable-stayed bridge over the Poti, watch the rivers meet at Encontro dos Rios and browse carved saints at the Central de Artesanato. Parks such as Potycabana and Lagoas do Norte offer shade and space, and trips lead to the rock towers of Sete Cidades and the Cachoeira do Urubu waterfall.
Ponte Estaiada João Isidoro França is the cable-stayed bridge over the Poti River in Teresina and the city's most recognisable modern landmark. Its tall white tower and fan of cables glow at night, and an observation deck high on the tower gives wide views over the rivers and the green city.
Palácio de Karnak is the seat of the government of Piauí in Teresina, a white palace with a classical facade whose name recalls the ancient Egyptian temple of Karnak. Its formal gardens and stately rooms hold historic furniture and works of art from the state's collections.
Igreja de São Benedito is a historic Catholic church on Praça da Liberdade in Teresina and one of the most important monuments of the city's heritage. Built in the 19th century in the heart of the planned city, it remains a much-loved place of worship and a fine example of the period's architecture.
Teresina Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows, is the main Catholic church of Teresina and the seat of its archdiocese, in the historic centre of the city. Its facade and bright altar make it a focus of religious life, and it is the heart of festivals and processions.
Museu do Piauí is the state museum of Piauí in Teresina, telling the story of the region from prehistory to modern times. Its rooms hold archaeological finds, sacred art, old furniture and objects from daily life, and it is a good introduction before visiting the state's famous rock-art parks.
Central de Artesanato Mestre Dezinho is a crafts centre in Teresina named after a master woodcarver, where artisans make and sell the folk art of Piauí. Its shops are filled with carved wooden saints, ceramics, leather goods, hammocks and opal jewellery from the town of Pedro II.
Parque Zoobotânico in Teresina is a protected area of woodland that serves as the city zoo, with reptiles, birds and mammals both native and exotic, such as toucans and capuchin monkeys. Ecological trails, picnic areas and play spaces make it a popular family outing on weekends.
Parque Lagoas do Norte is a large park built around a chain of lagoons in the northern zone of Teresina, near the Parnaíba River. Paths, bridges and sports areas follow the water's edge, and it is a pleasant place to walk or cycle in the cooler hours of the early morning and evening.
Encontro dos Rios is the park in Teresina where the Poti River flows into the Parnaíba, marking the meeting of two great rivers on the border with Maranhão. A statue of the Cabeça de Cuia, a figure from local legend, stands by the water, and craft stalls and viewpoints overlook the confluence.
Potycabana is a leisure park on the banks of the Poti River in Teresina, near the Juscelino Kubitschek bridge and Teresina Shopping, covering about 43,000 square metres. Pools, sports courts, walking paths and food stalls draw families, especially in the hot afternoons and on weekends.
Sete Cidades National Park in northern Piauí, near Piracuruca, about 190 km from Teresina, protects striking sandstone formations that are said to resemble the ruins of seven cities. Trails lead between rock towers, natural pools and waterfalls, and prehistoric rock paintings mark many walls.
Cachoeira do Urubu is a waterfall on the Longá River in northern Piauí, protected within an ecological park between the towns of Esperantina and Batalha, a few hours' drive from Teresina. The river spills over wide rock ledges into pools surrounded by trees, and walkways lead to viewpoints.
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