The capital city of Piauí State

The capital city is named after Teresa Cristina, who was the Empress of Brazil.

The city is located between two important rivers, the Parnaíba and the Poti; it has several historical buildings as well as many river beaches.

It is the only Capital in the Northeast that doesn’t have a coast. Still, the lack of beaches is made up for by other attractions such as where the rivers meet, great restaurants for local food and brilliant shopping opportunities to buy clothes and handicrafts.

The most traditional journey through the Capital is a boat trip that parts from the Parque Ambiental Encontro dos Rios in the Poty Velho neighbourhood, a hub for ceramicists.

Handicrafts

Woodwork, particularly religious-themed pieces, are one of the State’s specialities. The best place to buy these crafts is the Artisanal Centre in Praça Pedro II Square. The prettiest pieces are of saints or biblical characters, but you will also find bags and American toys made with wood and palm leaves.

Gastronomy

When it comes to local food, the place to be is beside the river Poty. In the neighbourhoods Fátima, Jóquei e São Cristóvão you will find some of the best restaurants in the city. To whet your appetite try tiquira, a local alcohol made from Cassava root. Some other local delicacies include capote, a local delicacy of rice and guinea fowl; Maria Izabel style rice with cured beef; paçoca (shredded beef with mortar ground flour and spices); peixada de Piratinga (a coconut milk and fish stew served with sweet potatoes) and delicious sparkling Cajun fruit juice.

Airport

Teresina’s airport is called Aeroporto Senador Petrônio Portella. It is 4 kilometres from the city centre.