Casa da Princesa Isabel, Imperial residence in Petrópolis, Brazil
Casa da Princesa Isabel is a neoclassical palace in Petrópolis distinguished by its red brick façade, typical of imperial Brazilian residences, and marked by a monogram G.I. on the pediment. The building now houses a real estate company and an antique shop specializing in items from the monarchical period.
The palace was the setting for the final photograph of the Brazilian Imperial Family in 1888, taken shortly before they were forced into exile. This moment came in the immediate aftermath of the republic's proclamation, which ended the empire.
The palace maintains connections to the Brazilian monarchy through its current owners, descendants of Princess Isabel who remain custodians of the family legacy. Visitors can sense how the space reflects the lives and decisions of those who lived there during the empire.
The building sits on Koeller Avenue, making it straightforward to locate within Petrópolis, and visitors can easily view the exterior and explore the antique shop. The ground floor shops offer a good opportunity to browse period pieces without needing special access to the interior.
The gardens contain camellia flowers planted by the princess herself, which visitors can still see today. These flowers carry symbolic meaning related to her pivotal role in ending slavery in Brazil.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
