High in the hills behind Rio there is a tiny little town where the Brazilian Imperial Family once spends its summers. With its refreshing mountain climate and magnificent views, Petrópolis at an altitude of 809 meters above sea level, is just 53 kilometers from Rio along a modern highway. Its attractions include the Imperial Museum, once the Summer Palace of Brazil’s Emperors, whose collections feature the Crown and Scepter of Brazil’s last Emperor, Pedro II, as well as documents, jewels and works of art that once belonged to the Imperial family.
Perfect for a Day trip, visitors eager to enjoy this mountain climate and explore the Itaipava region gastronomy center can stay overnight at its many pitoresque inns.