Triunfo, located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, is known as the “Oasis of the Sertão” due to its pleasant climate, its mountainous landscapes and its rich cultural heritage.
Triunfo in Pernambuco had a few years of economic exuberance – mainly during the 1920s – that were enough to earn the city the title of “Princess of the Sertão”.
The elite of Triunfo, 450 kilometres from Recife, declined along with the sugar cane and coffee plantations, but left its mark: near the parish church of Nossa Senhora das Dores, with its neo-Gothic lines, and around the beautiful Borborema reservoir in the centre, the houses with old, well-kept façades are an attraction; the Guarany Theatre sums up the glory days; the Cangaço Museum brings together a significant collection from the time when the Northeast was dominated by bandits.
Main tourist attractions and activities in Triunfo
Tourist Attractions in Triunfo in Pernambuco
Few municipalities have the privilege of bringing together as many attractions as Triunfo in Pernambuco, starting with the climate, which contradicts the aridity of the northeastern hinterland, with temperatures fluctuating between 8ºC in winter and 28ºC in summer.
Everything in Triunfo seems to have been exquisitely carved: the streets full of slopes and cobbled pavements, the simple houses, the old buildings dating back to the 19th century, the centuries-old traditional convents and churches, the rough stone buildings, the history of the cangaço that takes you back in time, the viewpoints, waterfalls, caves, the beautiful view from Pico do Papagaio, one of the highest points in Pernambuco at 1260 metres, from where you can see six towns in the Pajeú valley.
The famous João Barbosa Sitônio reservoir in the centre of the city, adorned by the presence of the Cine Teatro Guarany, inaugurated in 1922 and built with rock and whale oil to sustain the three floors of the building, which is one of the 20 Wonders of Pernambuco, and not forgetting the cable car, whose seats are moved over the mountains of Triunfo, passing over the waters of the reservoir.
Everyone who visits Triunfo gets a real lesson in architecture, history and culture. A city of hospitable people, surrounded by mountains and evergreen vegetation.
1 Cable car
It offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountainous landscapes. It is one of the most popular attractions and offers a unique experience as you fly over the city.
2. João Barbosa Sitônio Lake
This artificial lake is the heart of Triunfo, surrounded by green areas and is an ideal place to take a stroll, have a picnic or enjoy a pedal boat ride.
3. Casa Grande das Almas
A historic farmhouse that offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial past. The house-museum displays antique furniture and historical artefacts.
4. Cangaço Museum
Dedicated to the history of the cangaço, a banditry movement in north-eastern Brazil, with an emphasis on figures such as Lampião and Maria Bonita. The museum offers a detailed insight into this fascinating part of Brazilian history.
The cangaҫo museum, founded in 1971, has a collection of weapons, clothes, photographs and objects from the cangaceiros – from Corisco’s dagger to a 1916 tray that belonged to Lampião and an old accordion.
Also housed in the same building are the City Museum, with utilitarian items collected from Triunfo homes, and the Sacred Art Museum, which features the wheel of the “enjeitados”, where unwanted babies were deposited by their mothers to be raised in convents or monasteries.
5. Guarany Theatre
This is one of the oldest theatres in operation in Brazil. It offers a variety of cultural shows and is a beautiful example of historic architecture.
The idea of building a large Guarany Theatre in Triunfo came from the merchant brothers Manuel and Carolino Siqueira Campos.
Inaugurated in 1922, the Guarany theatre enjoyed a short period of glory. In the 1920s, it fell into decay due to Triunfo’s political and economic decline.
It then functioned as a bar and underwent many changes to its interior. Today, it has resumed its original function and opens for shows on special dates, when it can accommodate an audience of up to 180 people; however, visitors are allowed in all year round. Praҫa Carolino Campos, s/n, Centre.
6. Mother Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
This church is a symbol of Triunfo’s faith and history, with impressive architecture and a central location in the city.
7. Rapadura Mill
The rapadura capital of the Pernambuco hinterland, Triunfo has more than sixty rustic, centuries-old sugar mills producing, between July and December, the hollowed-out sugar brick that is a staple on northeastern tables.
The São Pedro mill, the most organised of them, produces organic cachaça and liqueurs all year round (Bela Vista site, rural area, 500m from the centre).
8. Pico do Papagaio
The peak is the highest point in Pernambuco, with an altitude of 1260 metres. To reach the top, you have to drive about an hour and 9 kilometres on a very bumpy road full of rocks, but in the end you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the region.
9. Atelier Chico Santeiro
Francisco Pinheiro, known as Chico Santeiro, travelled extensively in the sertão before settling in Triunfo. Today he is known as the city’s greatest artist – a reputation that is justly deserved, because his wooden saints are truly remarkable: expressive features, luxurious clothes, curved postures, a striking style and exquisite workmanship. Av. Getúlio Vargas, 206, Centre.
Activities and Experiences
- Festivals: Triunfo is known for its cultural festivals, especially the Triunfo Winter Festival, which attracts visitors with music, dance, theatre and cinema.
- Gastronomy: Try typical dishes from the Pernambuco hinterland, such as bode guisado (stewed goat), carne de sol (sun-dried meat) and local fruit sweets.
- Ecotourism: Explore the mountains, waterfalls and nature trails that surround the city. There are options for hiking, horse riding and cave exploring.
Travelling Tips
- Climate: Triunfo has a cooler climate than other regions of the sertão due to its altitude. Take light clothes for the day and something warmer for the night.
- Transport: The city is small and easy to get around on foot, but taxis and motorbike taxis are also available.
Triunfo, with its combination of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant cultural life, is a fascinating destination in Pernambuco. Ideal for those looking for an authentic experience in the north-east of Brazil.
