Overview of Petrópolis
Petrópolis is a charming city located in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Known as the ‘Imperial City’, it was founded in 1843 and served as the preferred summer residence for Brazilian emperors during the 19th century. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering a blend of European-style architecture, lush natural landscapes, and a rich history to explore.
10 Places to Visit in Petrópolis
1. Imperial Museum
The Imperial Museum is one of the main attractions in Petrópolis, housed in the former Imperial Palace of Brazil. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the Brazilian empire with its collection of artwork, furniture, and personal items of the royal family.
2. Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace is a beautiful cast-iron structure built in France and assembled in Petrópolis in 1879. Today, it serves as an exhibition hall for art shows and cultural events. The Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are well worth a visit.
3. Quitandinha Palace
The Quitandinha Palace is another important tourist attraction, originally built as a luxury hotel in 1944. Today, it is a cultural center that hosts music shows, theater productions, and exhibitions. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the hotel’s fascinating history.
4. Cervejaria Bohemia
The Bohemia Brewery is a must-visit destination for beer lovers. The brewery offers tours that explore the history of beer-making in Brazil and the brewing process. Visitors can also sample some of the brewery’s famous beers in the tasting room.
5. Cathedral of St. Peter of Alcantara
The Cathedral of St. Peter of Alcantara is a stunning neo-gothic cathedral that dates back to 1884. The cathedral is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, intricate murals, and impressive bell tower that offers panoramic views of Petrópolis and its surroundings.
6. Palácio de Cristal Weekend Fair
The Palácio de Cristal offers a weekend fair where visitors can purchase local goods such as handicrafts, organic produce, and homemade sweets. The fair takes place every weekend and is a great way to experience local culture.
7. Museu Casa de Santos Dumont
The Museu Casa de Santos Dumont is the former residence of Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont. Today, it is a museum that contains original artifacts and documents from Dumont’s life, as well as exhibits on early aviation history.
8. Serra dos Órgãos National Park
The Serra dos Órgãos National Park is a beautiful natural reserve that offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the mountainous landscape. It is a great place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Museu de Cera de Petrópolis
The Museu de Cera de Petrópolis is a wax museum that features lifelike figures of famous historical figures and Brazilian celebrities. Visitors can take photos with the wax figures while learning about their life stories.
10. Casa Stefan Zweig
The Casa Stefan Zweig is the former residence of Austrian writer Stefan Zweig, who lived in exile in Petrópolis during World War II. The museum now houses a collection of Zweig’s books, letters, and personal items, as well as exhibits on his life and work.
5 Places to Avoid in Petrópolis
1. Rua Teresa
Rua Teresa is a popular street for shopping, but it can get crowded and chaotic, especially on weekends.
2. Praça da Liberdade
Praça da Liberdade is a large square in downtown Petrópolis, but it can be noisy and crowded with traffic.
3. Petrópolis Shopping Center
The Petrópolis Shopping Center is a standard mall with a variety of chain stores, but it doesn’t offer anything particularly unique or special.
4. Centro de Cultura Raul de Leoni
The Centro de Cultura Raul de Leoni is a cultural center that offers workshops and events, but it may not be of interest to every visitor.
5. Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário is a small church that may not be worth visiting unless you have a particular interest in religious architecture.
Overview of Petrópolis
| Language | Currency | Average Temperature by Season | Best Time to Visit | City Official URL | Trip Advisor URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese | Brazilian Real (BRL) |
|
April to June or August to October | http://www.petropolis.rj.gov.br/ | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303506-Petropolis_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro-Vacations.html |