This charming little village, famous for its wonderful gastronomy, lies about 85 km (53 Miles) north of the city of Rio de Janeiro, close to the summer mountain resort of Petrópolis. Surrounded by rich, green mountainous scenery with forests and waterfalls, Itaipava is a mecca for food lovers and is a popular weekend getaway for Cariocas (natives of Rio). The region around Itaipava first gained fame when the Portuguese royal family fled from Napoleon's conquering army in 1808 and set up home in Petropolis, founded in 1843 as a summer refuge by Dom Pedro II. Apart from its excellent gastronomy and charming hotels Itaipava also has an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants.