viewpoint · Petrópolis, RJ
Trono de Fátima
A fourteen-meter monument with a statue of Our Lady of Fátima, on a hilltop a few minutes from downtown. It is worth it for the open view of the historic center and the surrounding mountains.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Trono de Fátima
The Trono de Fátima is a monument to Our Lady of Fátima at the top of the Valparaíso neighborhood, one of the highest points around downtown. It was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa, the same engineer behind Christ the Redeemer. The idea came from Franciscan friar João José Pedreira de Castro, born in Petrópolis, and the work was paid for with donations and volunteer labor. It was inaugurated in October 1947.
The monument is 14 meters tall. It is a white rotunda, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, with the dome resting on seven columns and an angel on top. The white marble statue of the Virgin is 3.5 meters tall and weighs about 4 tons. It was carved in Italy and put in place in 1951. The columns extend down below ground. The steps around it form a rosary.
Beneath the monument there is an underground chapel, about 10 meters across, and an ex-voto room, with candles and objects left in thanks for prayers answered. Masses are held on fixed dates, such as the 13th of each month. In 2024, a municipal law declared the Trono a historic and cultural heritage site of the city.
For many people, the reason to climb up is the view. From the viewpoint you can see the historic center, with the cathedral tower, and the surrounding mountains. The neighborhood is near the Relógio das Flores (flower clock), another well-known city landmark. In the late afternoon the sun sets behind the hills, and the place fills up.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About an hour, including the chapel and the viewpoint.
Best time
Late afternoon, to watch the sunset over downtown. The most recent information indicates visits on weekends and holidays.
How to get there
Rua Padre Moreira, in Valparaíso. By car, go up via Rua Monsenhor Bacelar; parking is free. A bus line runs from downtown to Valparaíso. On foot, the climb is steep.
Tip
Opening days have changed over the years: confirm before going on a weekday.
A look at the place
Trono de Fátima in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Trono de Fátima
What days is the Trono de Fátima open?
The most recent information indicates visits on weekends and holidays. Since the days have changed before, confirm before going on a weekday.
Who designed the monument?
Heitor da Silva Costa, the same engineer behind Christ the Redeemer. The Trono was inaugurated in 1947.
Is there parking?
Yes, free. Cars go up via Rua Monsenhor Bacelar.
What is the best time to go?
Late afternoon, to watch the sunset over the historic center and the mountains.