Petrópolis Imperial City
Petrópolis / Museu Imperial
The mountain town where Emperor Pedro II built his summer palace, home to the Imperial Museum, where the Brazilian imperial crown is displayed. Nicknamed the “Imperial City.”
Petrópolis sits in the Serra mountains about 65 kilometers north of Rio, at an elevation of roughly 800 meters. The town grew up around the summer palace that Emperor Pedro II built here. The palace now houses the Imperial Museum, which displays the imperial crown set with 639 diamonds, royal furniture, and carriages. Visitors must wear protective shoe covers to enter (about 20 reais; closed on Mondays). Nearby attractions include the Gothic St. Peter's Cathedral, where the emperor and empress are buried, the French-style Crystal Palace, and the former home of aviation pioneer Santos-Dumont. The journey from Rio's New Bus Station takes about 1.5 hours by long-distance bus, or you can join a day tour.
Opening hours
Imperial Museum Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
Nearby sights
- AquaRio
- Museu do Amanhã / Porto Maravilha
- Monastery of São Bento
- Ilha Fiscal
- Pedra do Sal
- Praça XV & Paço Imperial
- Confeitaria Colombo
- Real Gabinete Português de Leitura