Palácio Quitandinha
Area Historic lakeside hotel and former casino in Petrópolis
In Petrópolis near Rio, Palácio Quitandinha is a 1940s art‑deco hotel complex originally built with a casino; visitors tour its grand hall, ballroom and landscaped gardens during cultural events.
Palácio Quitandinha is a large historic hotel and former casino in Petrópolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It opened in 1944 as a luxury destination combining accommodation with an on-site casino.
The building is notable for its grand public spaces and large central hall and is often visited for its historic architecture and scale rather than hotel services. The exterior and principal public rooms are the main attractions for visitors exploring Petrópolis’ historic district.
Built and inaugurated in 1944 during a period of luxury resort development in Brazil, the palace functioned as a casino-hotel until national gambling was banned in 1946, after which its role changed. Since then it has been used for various public functions and events while retaining its historic appearance.
Located in the mountain city of Petrópolis in Rio de Janeiro state, the palácio sits in the city’s historic area roughly 60-70 kilometres north of the city of Rio de Janeiro.
- Casino history: Opened in 1944 as a luxury hotel and casino in Petrópolis, it ceased casino operations after national gambling was banned in Brazil in 1946.
How to Get to Palácio Quitandinha #
Petrópolis is about 65 km north of Rio de Janeiro. From Rio, take the BR-040 highway toward Petrópolis then follow local roads into the city centre; taxis and buses run from Rio’s Novo Rio bus station to Petrópolis.
Tips for Visiting Palácio Quitandinha #
- Walk the grand staircases inside to appreciate the casino-era architecture and the vast lobby.
- The building is best seen near sunset when the mountain light softens the façade - many of the old hotel's photographs date to evening soirées.
- Check whether any cultural events are scheduled; the palácio intermittently hosts festivals and photography shows.
Best Time to Visit Palácio Quitandinha #
Petrópolis' mountain climate makes spring through autumn and the dry winter months the most comfortable times to visit the palácio.
Weather & Climate near Palácio Quitandinha #
Palácio Quitandinha's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1879 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (283 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (229 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (238 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (292 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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