monument · Natal, RN
Centro de Turismo
The neoclassical mansion served as an asylum and a jail before becoming a handicraft center. The shops occupy the old cells, marked with their original numbers, and the upper gallery has views of the Potengi River.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Centro de Turismo
Natal's Centro de Turismo (Tourism Center) occupies a historic mansion on the hilltop of the Petrópolis neighborhood, on the border with Ribeira. Today it is a hub for Rio Grande do Norte handicrafts: the shops operate in the old cells of a jail, which still have their thick walls and barred windows.
The building was put up in the late 19th century as a summer house. In 1911 it was expanded to house the Asilo de Mendicidade Padre João Maria (a poorhouse), later became a girls' orphanage and, in the mid-20th century, the Natal House of Detention. Restored, it became a tourism center. The facade is neoclassical in inspiration, symmetrical, with columns in relief and an arched main door. The building has been protected by the State of Rio Grande do Norte since August 11, 1988.
The visit means wandering through the corridors and courtyards, stepping into the old cells and seeing hammocks, lace, embroidery, ceramics, wood and leather pieces and souvenirs of Rio Grande do Norte. There is a snack bar and a restaurant. Because it sits on high ground, the building has one of the most beautiful views in the city, with the Potengi River and the Newton Navarro Bridge in the background.
At night, the mansion hosts the traditional Forró com Turista, with a traditional forró trio and visitors learning the steps from locals. Check the day and schedule before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour is enough to browse the shops in the old cells and enjoy the view; allow more time if you stay for the forró.
Best time
Any time of year. By day, go in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the light over the Potengi River is prettier; on Forró com Turista night, the place is lively.
How to get there
It is on Rua Aderbal de Figueiredo, on the hilltop of Petrópolis, near Ribeira and Cidade Alta, Natal's historic center. If you are staying in Ponta Negra or on Via Costeira, it is easiest to get there by car, taxi or ride-hailing app.
Tip
Bring cash and a card and compare prices between shops: many sell similar pieces, and it is worth going up to the spot overlooking the Potengi before you leave.
A look at the place
Centro de Turismo in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro de Turismo
Is there an entrance fee for Natal's Centro de Turismo?
No. Entry is free; you only pay for what you buy in the shops or eat at the restaurant.
What do they sell at Natal's Centro de Turismo?
Rio Grande do Norte handicrafts: hammocks, lace, embroidery, clothing, ceramics, wood and leather pieces and souvenirs, in shops set up in the old cells.
Was the Centro de Turismo once a prison?
Yes. The 19th-century mansion was an asylum, an orphanage and then the Natal House of Detention before becoming a handicraft center. The cells and bars are still there.
How long does the visit take?
About an hour to see the shops and the view. If you go to Forró com Turista, plan on the whole evening.
How do I get to the Centro de Turismo from Ponta Negra?
The most practical way is by taxi, ride-hailing app or car. The building is on the hilltop of the Petrópolis neighborhood, near the historic center, far from the Ponta Negra hotel area.