Get to Know Santa Teresa!

It’s one of the most historical and artistic neighborhoods in the city, also known as Rio’s Montmartre, and it’s situated nearby downtown on top of a hill.

In the 19th century, people started building big houses in European style there, as well as churches and enchanting alleys and stairways that have been preserved until today. The famous Santa Teresa tram was installed in 1872 and still serves as a local means of transport and a tourist attraction.

It can be said Santa is a significant little piece of Brazilian history and culture and, with that in mind, we’ve prepared an itinerary for the people who wish to get to know this bohemian and cool neighborhood. We’ve put together a list of 8 unique and special places!

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RUINS PARK

Ruins Park Cultural Center was known before as “Murtinho Nobre’s Mansion” – residence of Laurinda Santos Lobo, the big patron of Rio’s Belle Époque. She used to gather intellectuals and artists in the magnificent rooms of her house. Today, the space hosts free and special cultural events and has exhibition rooms, an auditorium, an 88m² stage and a kiosk. Its revitalization was an awarded project executed by architects Ernani Freire and Sonia Lopes.

It’s a perfect place to relax. It also has a rooftop from where you can see Downtown Rio and the Guanabara Bay!

RATO MOLHADO VIEWPOINT

Rato Molhado (“Wet Rat”) Viewpoint is located on top of Santa Teresa. 

There you’ll find a plaque in tribute to Napoleão Muniz Freire (1928 – 1971), who was an actor, scenographer, costume designer and co-founder of the Brazilian theater school “O Tablado”.

From up there you can see Guanabara Bay, Santos Dumont airport and all of Glória’s neighborhood. It’s a less known and frequented place, which makes it perfect to relax and take amazing pictures.

BRAZILIAN ACADEMY OF CORDEL LITERATURE

It was founded on 1988’s Independence Day and had its first Board of Directors constituted by three Cordel writers: Gonçalo Ferreira da Silva, Hélio Dutra and Apolônio Alves dos Santos. 

Its intention is to rescue, put together and maintain pieces of Northeastern Brazilian Cordel literature. It opens its doors to the public every business day at 37 Leopoldo Fróes St.

CHÁCARA DO CÉU MUSEUM

Chácara do Céu (“Heaven Farmstead) Museum was the former residence of Castro Maya before he left it for the population’s usufruct through Castro Maya Foundation. It’s situated in Santa Teresa, goes by this name since 1876 and was recognized by IPHAN in 1974 as a historical and cultural patrimony.

The museum keeps on display many art collections from different time periods and origins, as well as rare books and furniture. The establishment has three floors and in addition to the permanent and temporary exhibitions, two of its rooms are kept intact since before the house turned into a museum.

SANTA TERESA TRAM

Santa Teresa’s tram is an essential part of your visit to the neighborhood. In addition to getting to see the beauty of your surroundings, you can see Rio from another point of view.

It takes off at Carioca station and has Dois Irmãos as the final station. There are intervals of 30 minutes between each ride and each vehicle has the capacity to transport 16 passengers at a time. The departure times are estimated and are subject to change.

During this incredible tour, you can appreciate Rio’s true essence! Don’t miss the opportunity to try it out.

BONZOLÂNDIA

Bonzolândia (“Bonzeland”) was created by Getúlio Damado and tells one of the most beautiful stories of the neighborhood. Getúlio started his journey in Santa more than 25 years ago as a street vendor. Nowadays he’s already had his art exhibited globally, is recognized and has become one of the greatest attractions of Santa Teresa’s cultural scene.

He uses many different recycled materials to create unique pieces, turning cans, bottles and many other things into inspiring art. Getúlio’s world is really worth a visit – it’ll inspire you to transform the simple things into original ones.

DOMINGOS CARDOSO STUDIO

Domingos Cardoso, the owner of the studio, was born in Maranhão and has painted since he was little. But it was only when he moved to Rio de Janeiro that he started living off of his art.

As soon as he arrived here, he started working as a shoemaker and used to keep the shoe boxes to himself so that he could create art off of their material. He made many pieces with this material that would otherwise have been discarded and really liked painting the landscape of Rio’s favelas.

Santa Teresa was another one of his inspirations – he loved painting the neighborhood. Little by little he grew in popularity and today 90% of his customers are tourists who make his art travel throughout the world.

NOSSO ATELIÊ

Nosso Ateliê (“Our Studio”) is owned by painter Nelson Crisóstomo. He paints fabrics such as canvases and clothes using optimal contemporary techniques and familiar artisanal technology.

It was during the 70’s that Crisóstomo started painting fabrics using these techniques. Some of his inspirations were nature, vegetables and minerals, which he used to look for colors and shades.

Nosso Ateliê has very well-done, authentic and original art pieces. It’s really worth the visit and appreciation!

ALDA MARIA DOCES PORTUGUESES

In the kitchen of a mansion with a tiled façade is where these delicious Portuguese candies and pastries are made! They are made fresh everyday with free-range eggs and sugar. Buttermilk pies, Santa Clara pastries, Bacons from Heaven, Dom Rodrigos and Fatias de Braga are some of the options in the menu.

Chef Simone Campos and her sister Liliana are the ones who have led and maintained the establishment for more than 18 years and they’re rightfully proud of what they’ve built together!