- The city was founded by a decree from Emperor Dom Pedro II in 1843, specifically designed to house German immigrants.
- Petrópolis is the only city in Brazil that was officially recognized as the summer capital of the Brazilian Empire.
- The city center remains governed by strict urban planning laws established in the 19th century to preserve its historical European aesthetic.
- During the winter, the city often experiences temperatures near freezing, which is a rare occurrence for the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro.
- The architecture reflects the 'Petrópolis Style,' a blend of alpine-inspired wooden framing and neoclassical masonry.
About Petrópolis
Petrópolis, known as the Imperial City, served as the summer residence for the Brazilian monarchy due to its cooler climate in the Serra dos Órgãos mountains. The city is defined by its German colonial influence and historical architecture, most notably seen at the Imperial Museum and the ornate Catedral São Pedro de Alcântara. Visitors can explore the whimsical residence of aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont at the Casa de Santos Dumont or admire the grand Belle Époque design of the Palácio Quitandinha. The town functions as a major cultural hub of Rio de Janeiro state, blending royal heritage with mountainous landscapes.
Highlights of Petrópolis
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Houses the original crown jewels of the Brazilian Empire within a preserved neoclassical palace.
Places of interest
Features a massive, opulent theater and an indoor pool set inside a historic casino-hotel complex.
Places of interest
Displays a unique 19th-century cast-iron structure originally commissioned as a greenhouse.
Temples
Contains the mausoleum of Emperor Dom Pedro II and Empress Teresa Cristina.
Museums
Showcases the ingenious residential inventions of the man who arguably mastered early aviation.
Places of interest
Provides a panoramic vantage point over the city's valley and surrounding mountain peaks.
Museums
Displays hyper-realistic wax figures depicting historical figures and global celebrities.
Parks
Offers expansive grounds for walking and relaxing in a park established during the city's early development.
Top things to do in Petrópolis
The 48 highest-rated places in Petrópolis, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
The Imperial Museum is housed in the neoclassical former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II, constructed between 1845 and...
2
Places of interest
Palácio Quitandinha is a historic former hotel and casino complex characterized by its Norman-style exterior and lavish...
3
Places of interest
The Palácio de Cristal is an ornate, prefabricated glass-and-iron greenhouse situated in the heart of Petrópolis. Commis...
4
Temples
The Catedral São Pedro de Alcântara is a French Gothic Revival cathedral that serves as the final resting place for memb...
5
Museums
Casa de Santos Dumont, locally known as 'A Encantada', served as the summer retreat for Brazilian aviation pioneer Alber...
6
Parks
Parque Municipal Mayor Paulo Rattes is a large public recreational space situated in Itaipava, Petrópolis, characterized...
7
Places of interest
Christ Lookout, known locally as Mirante do Cristo, serves as a high-elevation observation deck overlooking the city of...
8
Museums
The Petropolis Wax Museum is the first of its kind in Brazil, featuring a collection of hyper-realistic wax sculptures o...
9
Parks
Parque Crémerie is a recreational park in Petrópolis, Brazil, centered around a man-made lake used for pedal boating. Th...
10
Places of interest
14 Bis Square is a commemorative urban park in Petrópolis dedicated to Alberto Santos-Dumont’s pioneering aviation achie...
11
Parks
Municipal Natural Park Teresopolis Mountains is a protected conservation unit located within the Serra dos Órgãos mounta...
12
Places of interest
The Casa da Princesa Isabel, located on Avenida Koeler, served as the primary residence of Princess Isabel, the daughter...
13
Museums
The Museum House of the Colonist (Museu Casa do Colono) is a preserved 19th-century residence illustrating the lifestyle...
14
Temples
Paróquia Santo Antônio is a Catholic parish church located in the Alto da Serra neighborhood of Petrópolis, Rio de Janei...
15
Places of interest
Secretary Waterfall, or Cachoeira do Secretário, is a popular natural cascade located in the Araras district of Petrópol...
16
Places of interest
The Flower Clock in Petrópolis is a functional horological landmark featuring a garden bed arranged in a circular dial....
17
Venues
18
Museums
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Museums
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Temples
Around Petrópolis
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Petrópolis on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Petrópolis
May to August, when the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for exploring the mountain trails and outdoor historical sites.
2-3 days to cover the main historical district and architectural landmarks.
The city center is walkable, but taxis and ride-sharing services are necessary to reach regional sites like Palácio Quitandinha.
Stay in the Historic Center to be within walking distance of primary museums and restaurants.
Mid-range; lodging and dining cater to both historical tourism and local mountain retreats.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 48 curated attractions in and around Petrópolis, ranked by traveller ratings.
Imperial Museum is the highest-rated place to visit in Petrópolis right now.
The largest category is temples, with 25 places to explore.
Travellers also explore São Paulo, Brasília, Fortaleza.
Explore more of Brazil
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
