Teresina Travel Guide, Brazil

Teresina is the administrative and commercial centre of the Brazilian state of Piaui. Standing between the Parnaíba and Poti rivers, Teresina is a great place to be in between May and November. Actually, in these drought-hit months, the river-waters recede making the beaches fit for different beach-activities.

Teresina was originally named Vila Nova do Poti because of its unique situation beside the Poti River. Later, the name of the city was changed to Teresina as a mark of honour to Lady Teresa Cristina, Empress of Brazil and wife of Dom Pedro II.

Statistics

Area: 1,680 sq km

Population: 893,246

Currency: Brazilian Real

Language: Portuguese, Spanish, English

Architectural Heritage

Teresina is a very well-planned city; in fact, it was the first Brazilian-city to be planned. Designed in 1852, Teresina has been divided into quarters and resembles a chessboard. Tall structures define the city skyline but the presence of gardens and the tree-lined avenues have brought the city the tag of “green city”.

Some important religious structures in Teresina include the Church of St. Benedict and the Nossa Senhora de Lourdes. The Nossa Senhora de Lourdes is decorated with life-size sculptures made by master sculptors. Among secular structures are the Marshal Deodoro Square, Karnak Palace and the 4 de Setembro Theatre. (The 4 de Setembro Theatre is a 115-year old Gothic structure.)

Economy and Infrastructure

Teresina is the main commercial hub of the state and the chief industries include textile manufacturing and soap factories. With many sawmills around, lumbering is another important vocation. There are many sugar refineries and distilleries in the Teresina-region. An important agricultural trade centre, Teresina exports cattle, hides and skins, carnauba wax, babassu palm oil, cotton and cassava (manioc).

Teresina boasts of world-class infrastructure. While the Teresina/Senador Petrônio Portella Airport assures access by air, Teresina is also served by Teresina Metro. Rented cars are also available for within-the-city tours.

Teresina has quite a few educational institutes for higher studies and we name a few like Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Universidade Estadual do Piauí (Uespi), Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica do Piauí (CEFET-PI). There are a few first-class hotels and eating places in Teresina.

People and Culture

The people of Teresina are very friendly and they receive guests with open arms. Being a Brazilian-city, Teresina-people nurture a special fondness for football/soccer. The city has two football clubs and a considerably big soccer stadium. Besides, a number of cultural events, fests and trade shows are held in Teresina year round.