A CONSTRUÇÃO DA IMAGEM DE “CIDADE IMPERIAL” E SEUS REFLEXOS NO ESPAÇO URBANO DE PETRÓPOLIS/RJ

Abstract

Petropolis, known as “Imperial City”, stands out for its cultural heritage with several architectural examples from different historical periods, many of which are preserved until the present day. As a cultural landscape, the city's urban core has been re-signifying itself without losing the strength of its image. However, due to a socially constructed image, its inhabitants build narratives where they aim to fit in socially and culturally, praising and enveloping Petropolis in an aura of nobility. These social representations built on places are not only found in historiographical texts, but also in architectural buildings and urban space. The objective of this work is to understand the meanings of the “Imperial City” and to present its reflections in the urban space since its foundation until the present day. The importance of the history of Petropolis’ city and the use of its architecture by the local population and by tourists shows that its “imperial” image is not something linked only to commerce and tourist exploitation, but rather to the value given to this city and its traditions as a symbolic value, which is perceived in the subjectivities and recognition of tangible and intangible heritage.