Castle of the Baron of Itaipava, Neo-medieval residence in Petropolis, Brazil
The Castle of the Baron of Itaipava is a neo-medieval residence in Petrópolis with nineteen bedrooms, seven bathrooms, multiple libraries, and a music room. The rooms spread across different levels and wings with elaborate finishes and decorative details.
The residence was built between 1922 and 1924 by architect Fernando Valentim for Baron J. Smith de Vasconcellos. Materials from France, Italy, and Portugal were imported for the construction.
The entrance hall displays family emblems in stained glass and features wood ceilings that reflect Brazilian aristocratic taste. The rooms preserve the style of European noble houses that the Baron admired.
The house sits in the Petrópolis mountains and is reachable on foot from downtown, though parking is available on site. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as exploring multiple levels can be physically demanding.
The castle keeps a tower holding a copy of the baptistery of St. Peter's Cathedral. Jaime Smith de Vasconcellos, the third baron, ordered an eleven-seat Rolls-Royce limousine with the family coat of arms engraved in gold on its doors.
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