In 1835, second important date in the history of the city, is when Vila Real da Praia Grande (Royal Village of the Big Beach) was decreed the capital of the province with Rio de Janeiro, seat of the general government.

It was therefore elevated to the status of city and renamed Nictheroy, which is most commonly thought to mean “hidden water' in Tamoios indigenous language. In 1841 the city gained the honorable title of 'Imperial City', visited by the young emperor Dom Pedro II for ceremonies and theatre performances. It was gradually revitalized in line with the Plano Taulois (Talouis Plan), developed by French engineer Pedro Taulois. This effort effectively doubled the urban area of Niterói.