"Petrópolis Cidade Imperial" Top 5 Page for this destination Petrópolis by besbel

Petrópolis Travel Guide: 131 reviews and 289 photos

About Petrópolis

Petr?polis (the town of Peter) is located in northen Rio de Janeiro. It was founded in 1843 by mayor Julio Koeler under the auspices of Emperor Peter the II. It was built over the land that his father, Peter the I, bought in 1830, seduced by the weather and location in the mountains. The city was meant to be the vacation town of the royal family, composed at that moment by the Emperor, his wife Teresa Cristina, and daughters Isabel and Leopoldine. The most prominent aristocrats of the time also built palaces in this city for vacational purposes.
Soon after his foundation, Petr?polis became one of the most important cities in Brazil, politically speaking. A great part of Brazilian history has transcurred in here.
In their palaces and public places most political decisions were discussed (before being executed in Rio de Janeiro). It was also the capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro during a short time (1894-1903).
Now Petr?polis is more than a small, classy town located in the middle of the mountains. It's one of the must see while being in Rio de Janeiro. Its beauty, historical treasures and own traditions made me realize that it had an own personality. A personality forged in the mountains, with a mix of European immigration' initiatives and Brazilian enthusiasm. I loved it!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Historic places, beautiful surroundings
Cons:It's colder than other places in RJ
In a nutshell:A true Imperial gem!

Last visit to Petrópolis: Aug 2003
Intro Updated Jan 17, 2004
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Reviews (17)

For the Perfect Dessert :) Restaurants (1)

After touring Petrópolis for the whole morning and having a delicious lunch at O Paladar, Estrela Guia (located in... more travel advice

Petrópolis-near Quitandinha - Petrópolis

Easy to reach from RJ Transportation (1)

Either you choose the car or the bus, Petrópolis is just 1 hour or 1hour 30 in northern Rio de Janeiro. The ride is... more travel advice

Channel-In front of Museu Imperial - Petrópolis

Beautiful Historical City Favorites (1)

Urbanistic Desing! Petrópolis is a city that manages to let you know even in the streets their imperial past and their... more travel advice

Stay in Rio de Janeiro Hotels (1)

Since I was located in Rio de Janeiro, it was far easier for me to take a whole-day tour that take me to Petrópolis... more travel advice

Things to Do (10)
See All Praça Expedicionários (Expeditioners...
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Comments (11)

SLLiew Jan 5, 2008 at 9:47 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful page of Petrolis. Enjoyed the details of the museum, palace and buildings here. Cheers from Penang, SL :)
ATLC Oct 14, 2007 at 3:06 PM Report Abuse

Intriguing House of Seven Mistakes. I'm still counting :-) Greetings from The Netherlands!
Mailo Nov 18, 2006 at 8:58 PM Report Abuse

Me hiciste recordar mi visita a petropolis hace 25 años, fui en bus, y estuve un dia tal como vos lo hiciste, pero no habia quien me explicara nada, ahora ya se la historia de todo eso que vi.. gracias. saludos desde Honduras
Jim_Eliason Aug 1, 2006 at 6:05 PM Report Abuse

great page!
BluBluBlu Aug 21, 2005 at 10:31 AM Report Abuse

Lovely photographs and detailed tips on a place I've never heard of! Thanks! Happy travels, Blu
suvaa003 Jul 5, 2005 at 11:08 AM Report Abuse

like your page, will read it again
andrea.d Aug 22, 2004 at 3:09 PM Report Abuse

Lovely page :)
Henkster Feb 26, 2004 at 4:19 AM Report Abuse

Looks really great, historic architecture with Brazilian enthusiasm - what a mix!
pepples46 Dec 19, 2003 at 11:54 PM Report Abuse

you are absolutly right about the House of 7 Mistakes, never thought about it.great pic of the Quitandinha, fabulous page Flor thank you for sharing
quartinb Dec 19, 2003 at 11:28 PM Report Abuse

the chocolats seems nice:-)