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Oeiras, in Piauí, is a tourist destination that enchants with its rich history, culture and religious traditions. As the state’s first capital, the city preserves a vast historical heritage, with colonial churches, mansions and cobbled streets.
History of Oeiras PI
Oeiras has its origins in a chapel founded in 1695 and dedicated to Our Lady of Victory.
The town of Oeiras was elevated to a village and county seat in 1712. It became the capital of Piauí in 1759 and was made a municipality in 1761. It was the capital until 1851.
The first settlers to enter the backlands of what is now the state of Piauí settled on the banks of the River Mocha, where the town that would give rise to Oeiras was formed, 320 kilometres from Teresina and 280 kilometres from São Raimundo Nonato.
Several expeditions attempted to explore the lands of what is now the state of Piauí. Among them was Domingos Afonso Mafrense, in 1674, who travelled the entire south-central region and dominated the vast hinterland as far as the Parnaíba River.
Another expedition – coming from Pernambuco – influenced by Mafrense’s expedition, would have advanced through the Cabrobó hinterland. It is believed that both penetrated the territory where the seat of the municipality of Oeiras was later established.
There are records of earlier requests for sesmarias made by Mafrense, Julião Afonso Serra and others, covering the region from the Parnaíba to the Serra do Araripe. It is also known that Mafrense founded several farms there, including Fazenda Cabrobó, where he lived. Here, he organised an arraial of domesticated Indians.
The origins of Oeiras are related to the development of livestock farming in Piauí and the emergence of large cattle ranches. In the place known as ‘Mocha’, the name of a stream located there, a settlement was formed with a chapel affiliated to the parish of Cabrobó, in the Diocese of Pernambuco.
The settlement became a parish in 1696, under the invocation of Our Lady of Victory, and was elevated to the category of town under the name of Mocha in 1712.
In 1758, it was designated the capital of the province of Piauí and, in 1761, it was elevated to a city. Its name was changed to honour the Count of Oeiras – the future Marquis of Pombal, the all-powerful minister of King José’s Portuguese court. Considered the oldest town in Piauí, the cradle of the state’s history and colonisation, it remained the centre of political decision-making until 1852, when the seat of government was transferred to Teresina.
Oeiras lost its status as capital and entered a period of decadence that lasted until the 1930s, when the export of carnauba wax eased the situation.
Oeiras is a point of pilgrimage for the faithful on various religious dates.
The traditional Holy Week, the biggest religious festival in the region, attracts people from various regions of Piauí, providing a unique spectacle of faith and popular religiosity.
The Procession of Bom Jesus do Passos, the Fogaréu Procession and the Descent from the Cross are some of the most significant events in the First Capital.
Not to mention the cultural expressions of its folklore and culture, including the Congos do Rosário, considered one of the most beautiful Afro-Brazilian expressions.
In 1697, a small wooden and clay chapel was built in Oeiras, later replaced by the church of Nossa Senhora da Vitória, whose construction was completed in 1733.
The church, now listed as a national heritage site, still survives in the small town, which preserves a beautiful house in its narrow streets. Also dating back to the origins of Oeiras is the procession of Bom Jesus dos Passos, which gathers crowds of faithful during Holy Week.
Religious Tourism in Oeiras PI
The Holy Week in Oeiras is the biggest religious festival in the state and the period when the city receives the largest number of visitors. In fact, the programme starts practically a month before Holy Week. There are masses, vigils, Stations of the Cross through the streets of the towns and religious sightseeing tours.
The main events are the Procession of Bom Jesus dos Passos, where thousands of people follow the centuries-old image of Bom Jesus through the streets of the Historic Centre, and the traditional Fogaréu Procession, accompanied only by men carrying lamps and candles, while the women stay in the churches praying.
Forty days after Easter, the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo is celebrated. This Portuguese tradition celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
Oeiras is dressed in red and white. Every year a new home is chosen to house the image of the Divine. The family chosen is the home of the image of the Divine for one year.
Video – History and Tourist Attractions of Oeiras PI
Oeiras Tourist Attractions
1. Oeiras Historic Centre and Tourist Sites
- Matrix Church of Nossa Senhora da Vitória
- Oeiras Museum of Sacred Art
- Casa das Sete Janelas
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
- Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição
- Sobrado Major Selemérico
- Viscount of Parnaíba’s House
- Conego’s House
- Chamber and Jail House
- Episcopal Palace
- Monument to Nossa Senhora da Vitória
- Gunpowder House
- Leônidas Melo Walk
- Praça das Vitórias
- Passos da Paixão
- Galeria do Divino Cervo Sacro
- Sobrado João Nepomuceno
- Sobrado dos Ferraz
- Cine Theatre
The historic centre is the heart of Oeiras, with its colonial buildings and streets full of history.
1. Matrix Church of Nossa Senhora da Vitória
This is the city’s main church and an architectural landmark, dating back to 1733. The church is a classic example of Baroque architecture in north-eastern Brazil.
2. Oeiras Museum of Sacred Art
Housed in the former Casa da Câmara e Cadeia, this museum holds an important collection of religious pieces, paintings and historical artefacts that tell the story of the city’s religious history.
3. Casa das Sete Janelas
This is one of Oeiras’ most emblematic mansions, known for its façade with seven windows. It is an excellent example of colonial architecture and is often photographed by visitors.
4. Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
Eighteenth-century building. Former chapel of the First Charity Hospital of Piauí.
5. Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Located in Praça Mafrense, its construction began in the 19th century, but the work was only completed in 1942.
6. Sobrado Major Selemérico
Built by the President of the Province Zacarias de Góis e Vasconcelos during his government (1845-1847) as a residence for the presidents of the province. Today it houses the Oeiras Historical Institute and the Major Selemérico Cultural Centre.
7. Viscount of Parnaíba’s House
This 18th century building was the residence of Brigadier Manuel de Sousa Martins, the Viscount of Parnaíba, and the seat of the provincial government.
8. Conego’s House
It was built in 1836 by Brigadier Manuel de Sousa Martins for his son Canon João de Sousa Martins, who would be the Curate of the Parish of Nossa Senhora da Vitória for many years. It currently functions as a Hotel Pousada.
9. Town Hall and Jail
Built by Carlos César Burlamaque during his time in the provincial government in the 18th century. For many years it was the residence of Colonel João Batista Ferraz. From 1956 to 1996, it was the headquarters of the Oeirense Workers’ Circle. It currently houses the Oeiras Town Hall.
10. Episcopal Palace
Built in the 19th century by João Nepomuceno Castelo Branco.
It was the residence of the provincial governors, a school group and a bishop’s residence from the 1950s until 1976. Today it is the Oeiras Museum of Sacred Art (MAS). Grand Bridge over the Mocha stream, built in 1846, was another endeavour of Governor Zacarias de Góis e Vasconcelos. Made entirely of stone and lime, it is the oldest bridge in Piauí.
11. Monument to Nossa Senhora da Vitória
Located in the Oeiras Nova neighbourhood, it was built by the people and the municipal government in 1945.
It marks the 250th anniversary of the Cathedral Church and is 15 metres high and 165 metres high.
From the top of Morro do Leme you can have a panoramic view of the city.
12. Gunpowder House
The first military building in Piauí and the third of its kind in Brazil. It was built entirely from stone to serve as an armoury at the time of the captaincy.
Listed by IPHAN, this building dates back to the 19th century. As the name implies, it really s a house, it only has one room, it’s very simple and was built with rough stones mortared with cement mixed with cattle dung. Even after all this time, the house is still ‘standing’ with its original structure.
Only the roof has changed.
Regarded as the only military building from the colonial period in Piauí that still exists, the Gunpowder House is a record, but more than that, it is an objectification of the independence struggle. The place, which was where independence supporters kept the weapons that worked on gunpowder, is one of the symbols of Piauí’s emancipation from the Portuguese crown.
It is located next to the Pé de Deus and Pé do Cão sites, which have been carved into the lakeshore since the beginning of colonisation.
13. Leônidas Melo Walk
Built in the 1940s, it includes the Oeiras cinema building, the Commercial Association and Café Oeiras. The buildings are in art décor, but do not contrast with the colonial complex.
14. Praça das Vitórias
Its beauty has kept pace with time. It is the scene of many festivities and events that are part of the history of Oeiras.
15. Passos da Paixão
Five chapels scattered around the historic centre. They have been part of the city plan since 1809 and form the backdrop to the via crucis of Bom Jesus.
16. Galeria do Divino Cervo Sacro
Works by various artists from Piauí with reinterpretations and impressions of the Oeiras Divine Festival. Located in Praça das Vitórias.
17. Sobrado João Nepomuceno
The sobrado was built in 1817 by Captain-General João Nepomuceno de Castelo Branco to be his residence.
But anyone who sees it would never imagine that it was built to house a family; it looks more like a public institution. And so it was in the future.
Later the sobrado was acquired by the government and housed the municipal intendancy and, after a while, it was donated to the diocese for use as the Bishop’s Palace.
Today, the sobrado is the famous Oeiras Museum of Sacred Art. The museum houses works from the 18th to the 20th centuries, from the churches of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, Nossa Senhora do Rosário and Nossa Senhora da Conceição, as well as a small amount from collectors.
Plaster images, polychrome wooden images, crucifixes, candlesticks, benches, confessionals, an altar that belonged to the church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, among other objects and works make up the old sobrado, the current museum.
18. Sobrado dos Ferraz
This is the oldest sobrado in Piauí. It was built in 1810 to be the Town Hall and Jail, with the upper part being used by parliamentarians and the lower part for prisoners.
When the capital became Teresina, the sobrado was sold to Colonel João Batista Ferraz, who adapted it to become a residence.
In the 1950s, the site was acquired by Father Balduíno. Today, the sobrado is the headquarters of Oeiras City Hall.
19. Cine Theatre
Built in 1940, the Cine Teatro Oeiras has been and still is the city’s most traditional cultural centre. With a cinema and theatre hall, the Cine Teatro was listed as a historical and artistic heritage site in 2011.
Over time it has undergone several revitalisations and modernisations, and is now a venue that hosts various socio-cultural events, including musicals, plays and national concerts by artists known throughout the country.
These are some of the important secular heritage sites that you can find in Oeiras, all of which are open to visitors. Heritage sites that have stood the test of time and bear the historical marks of a people for the whole state and the whole country.
2. Religious Festivities
Oeiras is famous for its religious celebrations, which attract tourists from all over Brazil, especially during Holy Week:
- Oeiras Holy Week: Considered one of the oldest and most traditional in the country, Holy Week in Oeiras is marked by processions, masses and rituals that involve the local community and visitors. The Fogaréu Procession, in particular, is an impressive spectacle, with the city lit only by the flames of torches.
- Festa do Divino Espírito Santo: Celebrated 50 days after Easter, this festival is also a significant event in the city, with processions and cultural manifestations that show the devotion of the people of Oeiras.
3. Culture and Handicrafts
Oeiras has a strong craft tradition, with typical products that reflect the local culture:
- Local Crafts: The city is known for its lace, embroidery and ceramic pieces. These handicrafts are sold at local fairs and shops, making them great souvenir options.
- Typical Cuisine: The cuisine of Oeiras is rich in the flavours of the sertão. Dishes such as carne de sol, paçoca, capote (guinea fowl), and arroz de capote are traditional in the region and can be found in local restaurants.
4. Nature and Ecotourism
In addition to its historical and cultural heritage, Oeiras offers beautiful natural landscapes and opportunities for ecotourism:
- Serra das Confusões: Close to Oeiras, this area is part of a national park of the same name, offering trails, caves and a rich biodiversity. It’s a perfect destination for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
- Rio Canindé Spa: A pleasant place to relax, with calm waters and picnic areas. It’s ideal for spending the day with family and friends.
5. How to get there
Oeiras is located around 300 kilometres from Teresina, the capital of Piauí. The city is accessible by motorway, and there are buses that run between Teresina and Oeiras. The nearest airport is Teresina, and from there you can hire a car or take a bus to the city.
6. Accommodation
Although Oeiras is a small town, it offers several accommodation options for visitors:
- Pousada Convento das Mercês: Located in a former convent, this pousada offers a unique experience with a historic and cosy atmosphere.
- Hotel Serra Azul: A simpler but comfortable hotel that offers good value for money and a convenient location in the city centre.
7. Travel Tip
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Oeiras is during religious festivities, such as Holy Week and the Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit. However, if you prefer a quieter visit, consider going between June and August, when the weather is milder.
Oeiras is a destination that combines history, culture and nature in an enchanting setting. Whether you want to explore its historical heritage, take part in religious celebrations or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the city, Oeiras offers an authentic experience of the Piauí hinterland.
Oeiras PI Tourist Guide
