'''Petropolis''' is a city in Rio de Janeiro (state). It is also known as The Imperial City of Brazil.
Nestled among the forested hills of the Serra dos Orgaos, in the valley of the Quitandinha and Piabanha rivers, Petropolis is a popular summer holiday spot. Besides the climate and surroundings, the main attraction is the former Summer Palace of the Brazilian Emperors, which is now a museum, specializing in Imperial history and memorabilia.
Petropolis is home to the National Laboratory for Scientific Computing (LNCC), a research unit of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Brazilian Federal Government.
Understand
In the 1830s, the area of modern day Petropolis was little more than farmland. When Emperor Dom Pedro I went through there on his way to Minas Gerais, he was struck by the scenery and decided to buy some land. Dom Pedro I returned to Portugal soon after and the land was passed to his son, Dom Pedro II who built a summer retreat. Soon a palace was built along with mansions and a cathedral, giving its nickname, "The Imperial City".
Get in
The only way into Petropolis is by road. Buses run from the the major cities in the area such as Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte as well as places further afield such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia.
<listing name="Unica" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+55 (21) 2263-8792" url="" hours="" price="R$14.5" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">This company runs buses from Rio de Janeiro (1 hour) about every 20 minutes (Try and get a seat on the left hand side of the bus for the best views). You get dropped off at the Leonel Brizola bus station in Bingen about 10km from town. Take the local bus number 100 (R$2) or 010 (R$2.50) into the city center. Ask to be dropped off at Praca Libertad.</listing>
Get around
All the main tourist sights are close to the center and are easily accessible on foot. There is numerous bus services in and around town but the number 100 or 010 are the ones most useful to visitors which run from the center to the Leonel Brizola bus station in Bingen.
<listing name="Imperial Coop" alt="" directions="" address="Rua do Imperador 288, Centro" phone="+55 (24) 2246-0066" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">This car hire place is really only useful if you plan on visiting the area around the city</listing>
<listing name="Taxi" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="+55 (0800) 241-516" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">If you're in need of a taxi, you can call this company or just hail one of the many driving around town</listing>
See
Museu Imperial. mperial Museum. ua da Imperatriz 220. 55 (24) 2237-8000. ttp://www.museuimperial.gov.br. 1am-5:30pm Tue-Sun. dults R$8 , Students R$4. One of the cities highlights. The weekend house of Dom Pedro II and his wife, Dona Teresa. The well preserved building has a collection of royal exibits aswell as a 1.7kg diamond and pearl studded crown.
Catedral de Sao Pedro de Alcantara. athedral of St. Peter of Alcantara. ua Sao Pedro de Alcantara 60. 55 (24) 2242-4300. am-Noon & 2-6pm Tue-Sun. ree. Housing the tombs of Dom Pedro II, Dona Teresa and their daughter Princesa Isabel, this is a fine cathedral that has great views from its steps.
Palacio de Cristal. rystal Palace. ua Alfredo Pacha. 55 (24) 2247-3721. am-5:30pm Tue-Sun. ree. A greenhouse built for Princesa Isabela in
Get out
Rio de Janeiro
Belo Horizonte