Petropolis Tourist Attractions
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Top Tourist Attractions in Petropolis
PetrópolisSituation and CharacteristicsPetrópolis, 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 stationRua Dr Portiúncula 75HistoryThe 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.
Cathedral
CathedralIn Rua da Imperatriz is the neo-Gothic Cathedral of São Pedro de Alcântara, built between 1834 and 1925. It contains the tombs of Dom Pedro II, the Empress Dona Teresa Cristina, Princess Isabel and her husband the Conde d'Eu.Petrópolis Cathedral underwent restoration in 2004.
Imperial Museum
Imperial MuseumFarther south-east along the same street is the Bosque do Imperador, with the neo-classical Palácio Imperial, now occupied by the Imperial Museum (Museu Imperial). Among the exhibits are Dom Pedro II's crown and scepter, the crown jewels, works of art and various objects which belonged to the imperial family, and 19th century documents and furniture. The Palácio Grão-Pará (1860) adjoining the Museum is occupied by descendants of Dom Pedro II.
Crystal Palace
Palácio de CristalRua da Imperatriz and Rua 13 de Maio lead to Praça da Confluància, in which is the Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a structure imported from France and erected here by the Conde d'Eu for a flower show (1879-84). It is now used for exhibitions, concerts and the Festa do Colono Alemão (Festival of the German Settler).
Palácio da Princesa Isabel & Palácio Rio Negro
On Avenida Koeler, which links Praça Princesa Isabel with Praça Rui Barbosa, are the Palácio da Princesa Isabel (1853) and the Palácio Rio Negro (1880), once occupied by the state government of Rio de Janeiro.
House of Santos Dumont
In Rua do Encanto, to the west of Praça Rui Barbosa, is the house (popularly known as the Casa Encantada, "Enchanted House") of the aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont (1873-1932), with an observatory and observation terrace.
Palácio Amarelo
Palácio AmareloFacing the Imperial Museum, on Praça Visconde de Mauá (near Rua da Imperatriz), is the Palácio Amarelo (Yellow Palace; 1850), now the Town Hall.
Patrician Houses
In Rua Barão do Rio Branco, which runs from Praça da Confluància to join the Teresópolis road, are the Casa do Barão de Mauá and the Casa do Barão do Rio Branco.
Casa do Colono
In Rua Cristóvão Colombo, near the Rio de Janeiro road, is the Casa do Colono (Settler's House), which displays implements and utensils used by the settlers of the imperial period. The block of houses known as the Quarteirão Castelânea takes its name from the little town of Kastellaun in western Germany, from which many settlers came to Petrópolis in the 19th century.
House of Padre Correa
House of Padre CorreaIn the Correas district, out from the town center, is the house of Padre Correas (1780), in which Dom Pedro I stayed on his first visit to this area.
Poços do Imperador e dos Ferreiras
Poáos do Imperador e dos Ferreiras13km/8mi out of town are the Poáos do Imperador e dos Ferreiras (natural pools of water).
Quitandinha Hotel
8km/5mi south of the town on the Rio de Janeiro road is the Norman-style Quitandinha Hotel (1944).
Mirante do Cristo
Mirante do Cristo1km/.7mi beyond the Quitandinho Hotel is the Mirante do Cristo, a viewpoint from which there is a prospect of the whole surrounding area.
Map of Petropolis Attractions
Map - Petrópolis
