Source: WTL photograph© on site in Petrópolis.
Comments: This is a view of the road that goes up through the mountains from Rio de Janeiro to Petrópolis, the Serra Fluminense (specifically, the Serra dos Orgãos). The name "Petrópolis" comes from Greek words meaning Peter's (or Pedro's) city. The Peter to which the name refers is Pedro II, who was emperor of an independent Brazil from 1831 until this exile in 1889. Pedro II died in France in 1891. The city was envisioned first in 1830 by his father, Pedro I, who planned to build a summer palace for a retreat in the mountains from the heat and chaos of the capital city of Rio de Janeiro. Pedro II built the palace and what then was a small town around the palace. The road we see here is considered one of Rio's main scenic drives. From sea level the road climbs to 2,660 feet.