Plizio Visual Lab
Quitandinha Palace
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Quitandinha Palace is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Brazil. A huge former luxury hotel and casino built in a Norman-French style in the mountain city of Petrópolis. Opened in 1944 as South America's largest hotel-casino. The casino became illegal just 2 years after opening. Has a 10-meter deep heated swimming pool. This landmark is part of the cultural heritage of Brazil, blending samba, football, and the world-famous Carnival. Like many notable places in Brazil, it combines regional character with the wider significance of the world's fifth-largest country. Thus, this place contributes to the diverse profile of Brazil, where tropical nature, Portuguese heritage, samba, football, and Carnival come together.
- Location: Brazil
- Top sights: Museu de Cera · Imperial Museum of Brazil · Casa Stefan Zweig
- Nearby: Duque de Caxias (24 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 216 | 139 | 157 | 84 | 60 | 39 | 37 | 37 | 61 | 100 | 199 | 228 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Quitandinha Palace can only be visited during events or guided tours. The outdoor areas and park, however, are open to the public.
Typical hours
The park is typically open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Guided tours usually occur on weekends, with exact times varying per event schedule.
Photography
Photography of the exterior architecture and park is allowed anytime. Inside, photos are only permitted during tours or with permission.
Time needed
A walk around the palace and through the park takes about 30 minutes. If you join a guided tour, allow one hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with Petrópolis city center, which gives many historic buildings. The Imperial Museum (Museu Imperial) is also nearby.
Getting there
The palace is located in central Petrópolis, easily reachable on foot. From Rio de Janeiro, buses and taxis run directly to Petrópolis and stop nearby.
Insider tip
Check with the tourist office in advance about current exhibitions inside the palace. The opulent interiors are best explored on a guided tour.
Geography
Facts
- A huge former luxury hotel and casino built in a Norman-French style in the mountain city of Petrópolis.
- Located within the Federative Republic of Brazil.
- Plays a role in the local identity of the region.
- Connected to the everyday life and history of the country.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Quitandinha Palace (14)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Was the Quitandinha a casino?
Yes, it opened in 1944 as the largest hotel-casino in Latin America before gambling was banned.
Where is the palace located?
It is located in Petrópolis, in the mountainous region of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Can you stay overnight there today?
Most rooms are now private apartments, but there are areas for visitors and events.
Are there guided tours of the palace?
Yes, SESC provides guided tours that explain the magnificent halls and history.
What can you do at the lake in front of the palace?
You can go pedal boating or simply walk along the shore and take photos.
Quitandinha Palace: where is it located?
Quitandinha Palace is located in Brazil.
Quitandinha Palace: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museu de Cera, Imperial Museum of Brazil, Casa Stefan Zweig.
Quitandinha Palace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Quitandinha Palace: why is it worth visiting?
Quitandinha Palace is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Brazil.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Brazil →
Nearby cities
Rio de Janeiro
An iconic coastal city famous for its Carnival, Copacabana beach, and Christ the Redeemer statue.
Nova Iguaçu
A highly populated city in the Baixada Fluminense region in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro.
Duque de Caxias
One of the largest industrial and commercial centers in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Campos dos Goytacazes
The largest city by area in the state of Rio de Janeiro, famous for its rich oil and sugarcane production.
São João de Meriti
Often referred to as the 'Anthill of the Americas', it is one of the most densely populated cities in South America.
Belford Roxo
A densely populated city in the Baixada Fluminense, historically known as an important water source for the region.
Niterói
The twin city of Rio de Janeiro on the other side of Guanabara Bay, known for high quality of life and spectacular views.
Cabo Frio
Cabo Frio is famous for its remarkably fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Angra dos Reis
Angra dos Reis is the gateway to a fascinating archipelago of hundreds of islands.
Teresópolis
Teresópolis is a mountain city named after Empress Teresa Cristina.
Buzios
Armação dos Búzios is a popular resort town located on a scenic peninsula in Brazil.
Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo is often referred to as the Brazilian Caribbean.
Petrópolis
The historic summer residence of the Brazilian emperors in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro.
São Gonçalo
A highly populated city in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area with growing industrial importance.
Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a pristine, car-free tropical island known for its dense rainforests and gorgeous beaches.
History & landmarks
Vassouras
Historical city known as the "City of the Barons," reflecting Brazil's 19th-century coffee wealth.
Museum of Tomorrow
The Museum of Tomorrow is a futuristic science museum in Rio de Janeiro, designed by Santiago Calatrava and focused on sustainability and…
Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro
One of Brazil's most beautiful opera houses, built in an eclectic style near the center of Rio.
Maracanã Stadium
The Maracanã Stadium is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world, located in Rio de Janeiro and known for hosting historic m…
Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa)
A massive historic colonial-style aqueduct that now serves as a tramway bridge in the Lapa neighborhood.
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is an iconic Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ atop Mount Corcovado, overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro.
More places
Port of Rio de Janeiro
The Port of Rio de Janeiro is historically and economically significant for regional trade.
Valongo Wharf
A historic wharf in Rio de Janeiro that was the main arrival point for African slaves in the 19th century.
BioParque do Rio
A modern zoo in Rio de Janeiro that transformed the classic zoo concept into a biodiversity conservation center.
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading
A stunning historic library in Rio de Janeiro that houses the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal.
Catete Palace
The former presidential palace of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, now serving as the Museum of the Republic.
Sugarloaf Mountain
A prominent granite peak at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, one of Rio's landmarks.
Corcovado
A mountain in Rio de Janeiro, world-famous for the massive Christ statue on its peak.
Tijuca Forest
The largest urban rainforest in the world, reforested by hand in the heart of Rio de Janeiro.