Petrópolis, city in southeastern Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro State, near the city of Rio de Janeiro. The city is a popular health and summer resort. The Catholic University of Petrópolis (1961) is here. The community was founded in 1845 by immigrants from Germany. It is named for Pedro II, emperor of Brazil from 1831 to 1889, for whom it was a favorite summer residence. Population (1996) 269,669.
