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Top 10 Things To See And Do In Petropolis, Rio De Janeiro

Serra dos Órgãos national park |© Shooterb9/WikiCommons
Serra dos Órgãos national park |© Shooterb9/WikiCommons
Photo of Sarah Brown
Sarah Brown
24 July 2017

Located within the state of Rio de Janeiro, Petropolis is a colonial city just 70 kilometers away from Rio’s city center. As the former home of Brazil’s last emperor, Pedro II, it played a significant role in the country’s imperial past and traces of the history are evident throughout the city. Highlights include historical architecture, fascinating museums, long forest trails, and a Brazilian beer factory with guided tours and tastings.

Imperial Museum of Brazil

The Imperial Museum of Brazil was once the summer home of the former emperor, Pedro II. The large pink and white building is nowadays one of the most visited museums in the country, with historical displays including a huge golden crown and an exhibition of contemporary art. To protect the historical floor, guests have to wear specially-provided slippers to enter and it is prohibited to take photos of the inside.

Imperial Museum of Brazil, Rua da Imperatriz, 220 – Centro, Petrópolis – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 24 2233 0300

Palacio Quitandinha

Built between 1941 and 1946, the Palacio Quitandinha was once a luxury resort hotel and hosted several famous stars such as Carmen Miranda and Walt Disney. Nowadays, it is a cultural center and a popular tourist attraction. The building is open to the public, allowing visitors to either explore the inside or simply sit in the beautiful surrounding lawns and admire the stunning facade of the building.

Palacio Quitandinha, Av. Ayrton Senna, 12 – Quitandinha, Petrópolis – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 24 2245 2020

The Serra dos Órgãos National Park

This huge national park contains the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range and protects the city’s natural freshwater sources. There are over 10 peaks there higher than 2,000 meters and the most famous rock formation is the distinctive Dedo de Deus (God’s Finger) that appears to be a large index finger pointing into the sky. The park affords wonderful forest hikes, mountainous landscapes, and a collection of waterfalls and natural pools.

Serra dos Órgãos National Park, Av. Rotariana, S/n – Alto, Teresópolis – Rio de Janiero, Brazil, +55 21 2642 4072

Wax Museum

Museum
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A relatively new addition to Petropolis, the Wax Museum showcases realistically made Brazilian and international celebrities in life-size wax forms. Globally-known stars such as Batman, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Mr. Bean are there, plus important Brazilian icons and leaders. The museum makes for a pleasant afternoon activity and is popular among kids.
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35 Rua Barão do Amazonas, Centro Rio de Janeiro, 25685-070, Brazil
+552422491595
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Palacio Rio Negro

The Palacio Rio Negro is one of the official homes of the Brazilian president, used mostly as an extravagant country retreat. Visitors can enter for free to enjoy the period furniture and the exhibitions that tell the stories of past Brazilian leaders. It’s a place worth visiting for anyone that wants to explore the historical side of Petropolis.

Palacio Rio Negro, Av. Köeller, 255 – Centro, Petrópolis – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 24 2246 2423

The president’s summer home | © The Photographer/WikiCommons

Cathedral of Petropolis

Cathedral
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This Roman Catholic cathedral is dedicated to Saint Peter of Alcantara, who is the patron saint of Brazil. Inside there are tombs that provide the final resting place for Pedro II and his family. The cathedral contains a bell tower and is open to the public for prayers or to simply enjoy the impressive architecture on the inside.
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Centro Rio de Janeiro, 25685-300, Brazil
+552422424300
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Casa de Santos Dumont

Casa de Santos Dumont is the former home of Santos Dumont, the Brazilian inventor known for his significant contribution to aviation. Nowadays, the house – which Dumont designed himself – has been transformed into a museum that celebrates his life and historical importance. The house is rich in history and contains replicas of his work and creations. The stairs inside the house are steep and may not be for everyone, however, there is an elevator for people with disabilities or difficulties.

Casa de Santos Dumont, Rua do Encanto, 22 – Jacintinho, Petrópolis – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cervejaria Bohemia

Bohemia is a Brazilian brand of beer made in a brewery in Petropolis. The factory is open to the public and provides a half self-guided, half supervised tour of the beer-making process, with opportunities to try the beer. There is also a shop with several types of Bohemia beer and two restaurants that serve Bohemia on tap with a menu of traditionally Brazilian food and live samba music some nights.

Cervejaria Bohemia, R. Alfredo Pachá, 166 – Centro, Petrópolis – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 24 2020 9050

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