Petrópolis Imperial Museum · The Emperor’s Summer Palace

Petrópolis lies in the mountains north of Rio, where the climate is cool, and was the site of the Brazilian emperor’s summer palace. The palace is not large: white walls, wooden floors, and displays of a replica crown and the imperial family’s belongings.

It was here that Brazil was declared a republic: in 1889 the emperor was told to leave, and the next day he said goodbye to his guards at the door; they walked with him a short way and then dispersed.

The palace is kept as it was in his time. Guides point to a small room and say: this is where he wore his court dress for the last time.

Historical Mysteries / Petrópolis · Brazil / 1847