Discover Petrolina: The jewel of Pernambuco’s Sertão, land of wine and exuberant fruits
Petrolina is an important municipality located in the interior of the State of Pernambuco in Northeastern Brazil. Situated on the banks of the São Francisco River, the city has a dynamic economy, a strong agricultural sector and growing tourism development.
The wealth of the São Francisco River
The São Francisco River is the main postcard of the city, bringing life to Petrolina.
Through its waters, the city fertilised its land and began to produce different types of fruit, the grape being the most important. Petrolina is well known for its high quality wines.
History and local culture
Founded in 1852, Petrolina has a rich history closely linked to the São Francisco River. The presence of the river was fundamental to the development of agriculture in the region and, consequently, to the formation of the city.
The mix of cultures and traditions can be seen in the local festivities, which reflect the diversity of the population.
Petrolina and Juazeiro: Links and identity
The São Francisco River also offers visitors various leisure and entertainment opportunities. In Petrolina, the banks of the river are called Praia, due to the immensity of the river.
A city of encounters
A bridge connects Petrolina in Pernambuco, on the right bank of the São Francisco, with Juazeiro in Bahia. Ferries cross the river between the two cities.
Despite this proximity, Petrolina has its own identity, based on the idea of meeting and mixing – an image that seems to be inscribed in the municipality’s very name, which is a combination of Pedro (in honour of Dom Pedro I) and Leopoldina (in honour of Maria Leopoldina of Habsburg, Empress of Brazil).
Defying the hardships of the Sertão
Despite the drought, the town in the middle of the hinterland, 767 kilometres from Recife, has become the country’s largest fruit exporter and has improved its wine production, including Port wine.
The region’s wines, such as those made from Syrah and Tempranillo grapes, have gained national and international recognition.
Attractions and Cultural Events
Catedral de Petrolina PE02:12
Pontos Turísticos de Petrolina05:25
Reportagem sobre Petrolina02:42
Roteiro completo em Petrolina25:21
Among the attractions are the Ana das Carrancas Cultural Centre, with its expressive figures, and the Sertão Museum. In addition, festivals such as the National Grape Festival and the Wine Festival celebrate local production and attract tourists, creating a festive atmosphere that values the region’s culture.
Natural beauty and leisure
Built on the São Francisco River, the Sobradinho Dam has the title of “the largest artificial lake in the world in terms of water surface area” and covers approximately 4,214 square kilometres.
Although Petrolina doesn’t have a beach, the waters of the Velho Chico guarantee a good time. There are restaurants, bars, ice-cream parlours and a jogging track along the water’s edge.
Rodeadouro Island: A leisure refuge
On Rodeadouro Island, locals and tourists come together to play sports on the clear, fine sand, take a boat ride and enjoy the bars and restaurants that offer delicious recipes based on fish from the São Francisco River, such as fish baked in banana leaves.
The island is accessible by boat, with a 24-hour service.
Gastronomy and wine: An invitation to the palate
Petrolina is an oasis in the heart of the Sertão, thanks to its proximity to the São Francisco River, and is becoming famous for the production and export of its refined beverages.
Tourists have the opportunity to include an exotic itinerary in their programme: visits to wineries, including walks through the vineyards, observation of the production process and tastings.
As well as wines, goat’s meat recipes are so popular that Petrolina has a complex of restaurants specialising in this delicacy, called Bodódromo.
Accessibility and transport
Petrolina can be reached from Recife via the BR-232 motorway; however, the route is not entirely safe – the road passes through an area known for frequent robberies, especially near the town of Salgueiro.
Access via Juazeiro is recommended. To make travel easier, tourists can use buses or taxis available in the city.
The Petrolina Airport receives regular flights from the capital of Pernambuco and from São Paulo.
Places of interest in Petrolina
- Ana das Carrancas Cultural Centre
- Petrolina Cathedral
- Sertão Museum
- Bododrome
- Former railway station of the Leste Brasileira
- Fire Island
- Wines from Petrolina and the region
1. Ana das Carrancas Cultural Centre
Over eighty years old, she has been honoured by rock bands (os Carrancudos) and maracatu groups (matingueiros), has a biography and often exports her work to Europe.
The artist Ana Leopoldina dos Santos, known as Ana das Carrancas, creates original works in clay and is one of the few women dedicated to building carrancas.
2. Petrolina Cathedral
Built by the first bishop of the diocese, Dom Antonio Malan, the cathedral is an imposing Gothic temple characteristic of the city. With 57 stained glass windows, it is one of the largest and most beautiful in Brazil.
3. Sertão Museum
The collection of the Sertão Museum synthesises the world of the Sertão, with photographs and objects that belonged to the Lampião, prehistoric fish fossils and a replica of a typical 18th century sertanejo house. Opened in 1973, it was renovated and reopened in 1996.
4. Bodódromo
Despite its name, Bodódromo serves mutton instead of goat, due to the tenderness and milder smell of the meat.
5. Former East Brazilian Railway Station
Inaugurated in 1923, the station is an important tourist attraction, listed by the Historical-Cultural Heritage, and houses the headquarters of the Cultural Foundation of Petrolina.
6. Fire Island
A popular destination, especially at sunset, Ilha do Fogo offers stunning views of Velho Chico and is a peaceful spot for snorkelling.
7. Wines of Petrolina and the region
The combination of climate, soil type and river water allows for two annual grape harvests, making the region a major wine producer, with some of the best in the country.
Northeastern wines are generally young and aged in aluminium barrels during the production process.
Petrolina, with its rich culture and natural beauty, is a destination that enchants visitors and locals alike. The diversity of its attractions and the hospitality of its people make it an unforgettable place to visit.
See Wineries and the history of winemaking in the São Francisco Valley.
Tourist guide to Petrolina in the Sertão of Pernambuco
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