Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Petrópolis
5
P
Palácio de Cristal
Rua Alfredo Pachá, Centro.
Tel
(024)
2247 3721.
#
9am-6:30pm
Tue-Sun.
7
The metal structure and glass
enclosure of the Palácio de
Cristal (Crystal Palace) were
made in France in 1879 and
shipped to Brazil. Inaugurated
on February 2, 1884, the
palace is a fine example of
the architectural style that
emerged during the French
industrial revolution.
Although it was originally
planned as a greenhouse for
growing orchids, the Palácio
de Cristal was later meant to
be an exhibition hall for
hosting regular displays
of local products. However,
it ended up as the imperial
ballroom, and has been the
sight of many spectacular
Located in the mountains near
Rio, Petrópolis owes its creation
to the Brazilian royal family.
Dom Pedro I's dream of building
a summer residence here was ful-
filled by his son, Dom Pedro II,
who was equally taken by the
charms of the region. In 1843, before construction of
the palace began, he decreed the creation of Petrópolis
as the summer seat of his government. The city soon
rose in importance, as trappings of royalty made
their mark. Today, Petrópolis is popular for its royal
attractions, as well as for its mountain scenery and
the national park of Serra dos Órgãos
(see p115)
.
Medal on display at Casa
de Santos Dumont
E
Palácio Imperial
See pp114-15.
P
Palácio Rio Negro
Av Koeller 255, Centro.
Tel
(024)
2237 8000.
#
9:30am-5pm Wed-
Sun, noon-5pm Mon.
8
&
Built in 1889 by Barão do
Rio Negro, a wealthy coffee
baron, the palace acted as the
seat of the state government
between 1894 and 1902,
when Petrópolis was the
capital of Rio de Janeiro state.
Between 1903 and 1960, the
palace served as the summer
residence of the presidents
of the Republic. While Vargas
converted a wine cellar in
to a Roman-style bathhouse,
Kubitschek added built-in
closets. All the original rooms
are in excellent condition.
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Exterior of French-Gothic Catedral
de São Pedro de Alcântara
R
Catedral de São Pedro
de Alcântara
Rua São Pedro de Alcântara 60,
Centro.
Tel
(024) 2242 4300.
#
8am-noon Mon, 8am-6pm
Tue-Sun.
7
Though the cathedral's
first stone was laid in 1884
by Dom Pedro II, much of
its current structure dates
from 1925. Built in French-
Gothic style, it has a striking
interior decorated in Carrara
marble. The walls here
depict detailed scenes from
the Crucifixion.
The Imperial Chapel, to
the right of the main entrance,
contains the mortal remains
of King Dom Pedro II,
Princess Regent Dona Teresa
Cristina, their daughter Isabel,
her husband Count d'Eu, and
several other members of the
royal family. Statues of the
royal family are also featured
inside the chapel. The 1848
baptismal font is the original.
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parties. Most momentous
were the extravagant balls
hosted by Princess Isabel
and Count d'Eu, who is
believed to have conceived
the palace's basic design.
It was during one such event
in 1888 that Isabel signed an
order liberating 103 slaves.
On May 13 of the same year,
Isabel went on to sign the
Lei Aurea (Golden Law),
the decree that, in theory,
abolished slavery in Brazil.
Detail on the façade of Palácio
Rio Negro
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp370-72 and pp396-7
