Overview:

Petrópolis, located less than 60 miles away from Rio de Janeiro, was founded in the 19th century by an imperial colonization project designed by Brazilian emperor Pedro II. The Historic Center of Petrópolis is composed of a significant number of important cultural, architectural, and landscape features. This area consists of the Imperial Museum, the Quitandinha Palace, the Capuchin Crypts, the Circuit of Post Office, the Cruz de Malta headquarters, several churches and traditional squares. The Historic Center is an area of great cultural and architectural value that fits with the identity of the city of Petrópolis, representing its historical, urban, social, and religious development. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Brazil
Prominent Features:

1. The Imperial Museum- located in the former Imperial Palace of the same name, this museum was the home of Dom Pedro II, the last Emperor of Brazil. The museum contains an impressive collection of furniture, sculptures, paintings, and objets d’art of the imperial family. 2. The Grand Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus- this neo-Gothic cathedral is one of the most important religious and historical monuments of Petrópolis Historic Center. It is renowned for its impressive spire and stained glass windows. 3. Quinta da Boa Vista- this large park and garden serves as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It houses an important collection of native plants and animals, and is home to some of the most wonderful views of the Serra dos Orgãos mountains. 4. National Museum of Petropolis- this museum features an impressive selection of historical artifacts from the region, including archaeological finds from Neolithic cultures, pre-Columbian art, and colonial architecture. 5. Imperial Fountain- this iconic statue and fountain honors Dom Pedro I, the first Emperor of Brazil. It is a beautiful and romantic tribute to the city’s imperial past. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Brazil.

History:

Petrópolis is a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, located approximately 60 km northeast of the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is considered to be one of the most important cities in the state and is known for its remarkable European style architecture. The city include one of Brazil’s most important historic centers, with significant monuments and buildings that date back to the 19th century. In 1845, the heroic deeds of Dom Pedro II led the city to be named “Petrópolis" ("City of Pedro") in his honor. His support of the city’s growth and development helped to make it an important center for industry, commerce and culture. The city’s most significant architectural feature is the “Imperial Road”, a 13-km-long road lined by trees and parks. During the 19th century, the road was mainly used by the Emperor Dom Pedro II and his family. The road is bordered by many of the city's most important monuments and buildings, including the Crystal Palace, the Imperial Museum, the Princes Square, the Silvestre, the Antonia Theatre and many others. The city has also many beautiful parks, like the Emperor’s Park, the Imperial Garden and the National Park of the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Palace itself, now a museum, is an impressive building that was built in 1845 for the Emperor Pedro II of Brazil. The palace and its gardens are a great example of Victorian architecture. In 1992, Petrópolis was declared a National Historical Site and its Historic Center is now a World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO. The city’s Historic Center is protected by law and the facades of buildings must not be changed. However, modern infrastructure can be introduced in order to ensure sustainability to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Visit one of the famous monuments of Brazil with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Historic Center of Petrópolis, established in 1845, is a unique and wonderful example of an imperial Brazilian city of the late 19th century. 2. The city was declared a National Historic Monument in 1938, to preserve the many monuments, buildings and historic sites that still remain today. 3. The city is home to the Imperial Museum of Brazil, which houses a large collection of objects related to the imperial period, including furniture and toys used by the royal family. 4. Petrópolis is known as the ‘Imperial City of Brazil’ due to its many royal residences, including the Imperial Palace itself. 5. The city contains many historic churches and beautiful parks, including the well-known Itamaraty Park and the Laranjeiras Garden. 6. Petrópolis is now home to the Brazilian Air Force’s National Museum, which provides visitors with a unique insight into the history and development of the country’s military aviation. 7. The historic city of Petrópolis is home to a number of other museums, including the Quartz Industry, the Oldest Cinema in Brazil and the Barão de Mauá Museum. 8. Petrópolis is also known as the ‘City of Flowers’, due to its large number of lush gardens and parks, and the abundance of flowers in the summer months. One of the historical monuments of Brazil, it tells the story of a bygone era