The town’s name (“City of Peter”) honors Pedro II, the last Emperor of Brazil. The city was the summer residence for many of the Brazilian Emperors and aristocrats in the 19th century, and was once the official capital of Rio de Janeiro during the First Brazilian Republic, between 1894 and 1902.
He had an opulent mansion and sprawling gardens, which, of course, you can visit.
Pedro is a pretty big deal in this town, and he is entombed there at the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara.
If you buy a ticket, they will give you a special tour which takes you into the attic and roof of the church- worth it!
That’s the view from the roof deck.
Here’s the attic
There’s many more charming areas of this town to explore, including the “crystal castle” which was entirely imported from Europe, and assembled here. It’s an acoustic wonder and a place for performances of the day, and remains so to this day.
