the construction of what today is the imperial museu, started in 1845 and were finally completed in 1862 - in particular, the german immigrants had an important role in the construction of what became the first brazilian railway, inaugurated in 1861.  

and vital to the economy and development of the region and to nearby towns as miguel pereira, and juiz de fora - dom pedro ii was the second and last brazilian emperor and his palace has now been converted into the imperial museum, offering rich history exhibits. 

of german heritage, petrópolis maintains to this day some german traditions, including the bauernfest, the second most important yearly german festival in brazil.