Petropolis, Brazil

North of Rio de Janeiro about 60 miles, Petropolis “The town of Pedro” is a hidden mountain retreat, 2800 feet above sea level, for travelers to Rio. It is an ideal day trip for visitors during the hot muggy summer months.
Petropolis is where the imperial court spent the summer in the 1800's and it’s still the home of the heir to the throne Dom Pedro II’s great-grandson Dom Pedro de Orleans e Braganca. You can wander around town or ride a horse drawn carriage through the parks, past bridges, canals and old-fashioned street lamps.
Take a walking tour for approximately three hours, including time to spend at the attractions. You can start your tour at the Cathedral Sao Pedro de Alcantara where the tombs’ of Brazil’s last emperor, Dom Pedro II, his wife, Dona Teresa and their daughter, Princess Isabel.
Be sure you see the Casa do Barao Rio Branco and the Casa do Barao de Maua. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace (Palacio Crista) imported from France in 1879. It is used for special events. We were there Easter week 2008 and the town was decorating it for Easter.
Another interesting home is Casa de Santos Dumont, the summer home of Brazil’s father of aviation and inventor of the wristwatch. You will also see some beautiful mansions including the Palacio da Princess Isabel. Don’t miss the Museum Imperial, a perfectly preserved and beautifully appointed palace of Dom Pedro II. The imperial crown housed here has 639 diamonds and 77 pearls.
There are several eateries in Petropolis. Make sure you try an authentic Churrascaria (Brazilian barbecue). Churrascaria consist of a salad/dessert bar and waiters walking to each table offering several different cuts of meat (beef, port, sausages) and poultry (chicken).