Petrópolis

Petrópolis is a municipality in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro state, spread across the forested slopes of the Serra Fluminense. Streets follow valleys and hillsides where residential neighborhoods alternate with parks and old manor houses displaying timber fronts and slate roofs.

Emperor Pedro II built a mountain summer palace in the 1840s to escape the coastal heat. German settlers arrived at the same time and helped develop the town by introducing European craft techniques and farming methods.

The Koeler family from Germany founded this town and brought European building techniques to its first residents. Walking through the streets today, visitors see colonial-style villas and gardens shaped by central European traditions that remain carefully maintained.

The center is compact enough to explore on foot, while outer neighborhoods on the hillsides are easier to reach by car or public transport. Humidity increases in summer, so light clothing and rain protection are helpful for sudden showers.

Several breweries here produce regional beer based on central European brewing methods and serve it at town festivals. The surrounding valleys also have fruit orchards growing apples and peaches rarely found elsewhere in tropical Brazil.

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Inception: 1843

Elevation above the sea: 872 m

Shares border with: Areal, Duque de Caxias, Guapimirim, Magé, Miguel Pereira, Paraíba do Sul, Paty do Alferes, São José do Vale do Rio Preto, Teresópolis

Website: https://petropolis.rj.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -22.50500,-43.17889

Latest update: December 15, 2025 06:05