Palácio Karnak, Government palace in Teresina, Brazil

Palácio Karnak is the seat of the Piauí state government in Teresina. Its white Greek Revival facade has a triangular pedimented portico supported by tall, smooth round columns with simple square capitals, set on a stepped platform reached by wide shallow stairs. The ground level has tall windows and doors with dark glazing, some in arched openings, and a flat roofline caps the building.

The site was originally a chácara belonging to the Baron of Castelo Branco. In 1926, under governor Matias Olímpio de Melo, it became the seat of the Piauí state government and the governor's official residence. Petrônio Portella was the last governor to live there. In the 1970s, during Alberto Silva's administration, the palace was renovated and received gardens by Roberto Burle Marx.

The palace takes its name from the Karnak temple complex in ancient Egypt, while its white facade follows Greek temple models. At Christmas the building and gardens are lit and decorated, and the Piauí Symphony Orchestra performs there. The governor's office holds Luís XVI-style armchairs, and the interior keeps a crystal chandelier from Lasckani and 16th-century colonial religious pieces.

The building is centrally located in Teresina and easily accessible for visitors who wish to admire its classical architecture from outside. Check availability before visiting, as it remains an active government facility with occasional access restrictions.

The gardens date from the 1970s renovation under governor Alberto Silva and were designed by Roberto Burle Marx. During the Christmas period the palace and gardens are decorated and lit, and the Piauí Symphony Orchestra performs there.