Castelo de Itaipava

🌍 Country: Brazil

⏳ Era: Romantic & Fairytale Castles

🛡️ Function: Tourist & Fairytale Castles

Stumbling upon Castelo de Itaipava in the green hills near Petrópolis feels a bit like discovering a secret. Its spires and stone walls are a surprising sight in Brazil—more European fairytale than tropical country house. The grounds are often filled with laughter from weddings or weekend visitors, but you’ll also find quiet corners to just sit and take it all in. There’s a playful charm to this place.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: Itaipava, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

🏗️ Construction Period: 1920–1922

🏰 Architectural Style: Neo-Gothic with Romantic and Medieval European influences

🎭 Famous For: Only medieval-style castle in South America built with imported European stone

👑 Notable Residents: Barão J. Smith de Vasconcellos

🏆 UNESCO Status: No

🌐 Official Website: https://castelodeitaipava.com.br/

Gallery Photos

Medieval-style entrance of Castelo de Itaipava featuring stone walls, armored knight statues, chandeliers, and decorative lanterns welcoming guests inside.

Entrance to Castelo de Itaipava with a medieval knight statue on horseback in the foreground, palm-lined pathways, and parked cars in the visitor lot.

Interior view of the Castelo de Itaipava banquet hall with crystal chandeliers, checkered floors, and the castle’s official crest displayed on a stone wall.

High-angle aerial view of Castelo de Itaipava, showing the full castle complex, outdoor pool, gardens, parking area, and surrounding residential neighborhood.

Visiting Information

🗓️ Best Time to Visit: April to June and August to October

🗺️ Location Perks: The castle often hosts concerts, markets, and festive celebrations—there’s always something happening.

⏳ Estimated Visit Duration: Plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the castle, its gardens, and the on-site café.

💡 Visiting tips: Check the event calendar in advance—public access may be limited during private weddings or large events.

Map

Historical Context

Castelo de Itaipava might look ancient, but it’s actually a 20th-century creation. Built in the early 1920s by Baron J. Smith de Vasconcellos, the castle was inspired by French and English medieval designs. Imported stones, stained glass, and custom woodwork give it an authentic European feel, but its story is pure Brazilian creativity and flair. Over the decades, the castle changed hands and purposes—hosting parties, serving as a hotel, and even appearing in local films and TV shows. Locals from Petrópolis often have their own stories about weddings, music festivals, or lazy afternoons in the castle gardens. Today, Castelo de Itaipava stands as both a nod to Old World romance and a gathering place for new memories—a whimsical retreat in the heart of the Serra.