Petrópolis
Situation and Characteristics
Petrópolis, once the summer residence of the Emperor and now of the President, lies half way between Teresópolis (60km/37mi) and Rio de Janeiro (66km/41mi). It is one of the most agreeable resorts in the Rio de Janeiro highlands, with
average temperatures of around 17°C/63°F, numerous parks and excellent hotels. Within easy reach of the town are such mighty peaks as the Pico do Meu Castelo (1400m/4595ft) and the Pico do Aáu (2232m/7323ft). Part of the area lies within the Serra dos Orgãos National Park.
Bus station
Rua Dr Portiúncula 75
History
The town grew up round the Fazenda Córrego Seco, a private estate of Dom Pedro I. In 1848 the settlement, mainly populated by German immigrants, was formed into a commune under the name of São Pedro de Alcântara de Petrópolis, which in 1857 was chartered as a town. From 1894 to 1902 it was the seat of the state government of Rio de Janeiro.