Petropolis Tour

Petropolis is a popular holiday spot is located in the high mountains 65 Km from Rio. The climate is milder than Rio and the forest vegetation is lush due to the rich soils and good rains. The town's name (city of Peter) honours Emperor Pedro II (1831 -1889), the nations second monarch and son of Pedro. In 1894-1903 it was the official capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro.

This palatial house is a private dwelling with its own lake It was the former casino but gambling was banned in 1946

Imperial Museum

 The town's main attraction is the summer palace of the second emperor, now the Imperial museum. It specialises in imperial history and memorabilia.

Imperial Palace Petropolis, the former palace was built in 1845.
The Museum is the Palace itself and houses exhibits of artworks, furniture and ornaments

Dom Pedro delivering a speech
Oil on canvas, 1872

Brazilian Imperial Crown - Engraved Gold with 639 diamonds and 77 pearls.

Under Pedro II's rule, Brazil became a stable nation, an emerging power internationally and a champion of freedom of speech, civil rights and an emerging economy. Slavery was abolished despite powerful political and economic interests.( his daughter Princess Isabel signed the law emancipating all slaves in Brazil).  The representative parliamentary democracy government was respected and admired by the people. He sponsored learning, culture and sciences.

He was the last ruler of Brazil, overthrown by a coup d'etat by military leaders but with little public support. Dom Pedro II did not take any step to prevent this happening and had little regard for the monarchy - rather a sense of devotion to the people and the future good of the country.
The last 2 years of his life was in exile in Europe and he died alone and penniless. Brazil then became a republic head by a dictator.
Decades later after a series of weak governments he was recognised as the model for the Brazilan republic and his remains returned to Brazil and status rightfully restored as and the nickname the Magnanimous was again used.

The coach house houses royal coaches, a train and other large carriages. Restoration work is being carried out in an special area.

Petropolis Cathedral - Sao Pedro de Alcantara Cathedral is French Neo-gothic style church building built under the patronage of Dom Pedro II started in 1884 but opened in 1925 long after Brazil became a republic.

The Imperial chapel inside the church is the final resting place of Dom Pedro II, his wife Teresa Cristina, Princess Isabel and her husband Count d'Eu

Crystal Palace
Manufactured in France as the Emperor's greenhouse to grow orchards and located in a large park it is now a venue for cultural events

The Catholic University of Petropolis is a private, non-profit maintained by the Catholic Archdiocese of Petropolis. It was the first institute of higher education in the city and has leading schools in Philosophy, Sciences, Industrial Engineering and Physical education.

The city has many classical and well maintained buildings

The father of flight in Brazil is Alberto Santos Dumont and many Brazilians dispute the Wright brothers  being first to fly.