Rio can get very hot and humid so Petropolis is very popular, especially at the weekends, when residents take the bus or their car and visit this quiet town.

Once out of the city the route to Petropolis is full of color with flowers such as hortensia, hibiscus, bougainvillea and orchids. All in a variety of brilliant colors. Banana plantations and wild flowers also flank the road and the views are breathtaking.

It was the Emperor Dom Pedro II who, in 1843, founded the city and built a summer palace there. Naturally, many of Brazil's wealthy residents followed suite and also built summer homes there.

The Summer Palace

This pretty pink and white building is now better known as the Museu Imperial (the Imperial Museum).

The beautiful reception room has a highly polished wooden floor and, to help preserve the floors throughout the building, visitors have to wear the felt overshoes that are provided.

Throughout the palace there are wonderful paintings, tapestries and furniture but the most important item to see is the Imperial Crown of Pedro II. It contains 639 diamonds and 77 pearls set in gold and is gorgeous. Also among the regalia is the Imperial Mantle which is a rich dark blue velvet with gold motifs and thickly encrusted border.

Among the rooms on display is the Throne Room with a magnificent throne flanked by two enormous and fabulously decorated urns. There are also some tapestry covered chairs, a beautiful carpet and a crystal chandelier.

Another room has a golden cradle in the shape of a large shell which is supported at the head and tail by winged female figures.

Open: Tues - Sun 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Admission: Adults $3.35/children (7-14) $1.65

Museu Casa de Santos Dumont

When thinking about the invention of the airplane, the Wright Brothers and Bleriot quickly come to mind. In fact, the man who invented and first flew a 'plane was Santos Dumont. His house is in Petropolis and, as it only takes about 20 minutes to go through, worth the visit.

It was in 1906 that Dumont took off and landed under his own power and there are pictures on display showing that event.

He also invented many other things included the wristwatch. He did this by using a scarf to tie his pocket watch to his wrist. He gave the idea to his friend Cartier in Paris who developed the first wrist strap.

Open: Tues - Sun - 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Admission: 85c.

Some Other Places to See

Although the Cathedral looks Gothic, it was actually not built until 1939, but it does contain the tombs of the Royal Family.

Not far from the Cathedral is the Crystal Palace where, on 13th May 1888, the Princess Isabel signed the law putting an end to slavery.

Shopping

Petropolis is known throughout Brazil for having the best shopping street - Rua Teresa (Teresa Street). All around Petropolis there are textile factories and Rua Teresa is the main retail and wholesale outlet for cotton and knitwear at fantastically low prices.

The Portuguese Royal Family

When Napoleon invaded Portugal the Royal Family left, taking much of their belongings with them to Brazil. For anyone who has visited the Queluz Palace near Lisbon, the Museu Imperial will look familiar. This is also why there are many European artifacts and furnishings in the former Summer Palace.

For more information about Petropolis contact Brazilian Tourism.