Morro da Conceição (Conception Hill) is located in Saúde neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro and is a part of the port area of Rio. The history of Morro da Conceicao dates back to 1590, when a small church dedicated to Our Lady of Conception was built here, passing its name to the whole district. Many of the houses on Morro da Conceicao are example of typical Portuguese architecture of the time, as a result of the Portuguese settlement.

Important historical and cultural highlights of Conception Hill area:

• Palácio Episcopal (Episcopalian Palace) - former residence of bishops of Rio de Janeiro between 1702 and 1905, is now Cartographic Museum, which preserves some of the oldest maps of the country.
• Fortaleza da Conceição (Conception Fort) - became one of the most important defense points of the city in 18th century, after the French invasion. Today it houses the Army Geographical Service, forming a group with Palacio Episcopal.
• Jardim Suspenso do Valongo (Hanging Garden of Valongo) - is a large recreation area built in 1906, with 4 marble statues representing Roman gods: Minerva, Mercury, Ceres and Mars.
• Pedra do Sal (Salt Rock) - a granite formation at the base of the Morro do Conceicao, often called the "testimony of Africanity", being a symbol of afro-Brazilian traditions, such as samba, capoeira and candomble religion. Pedra do Sal was one of the main docking sites of slave ships in Rio during 17th and 18th centuries. African and Bahian slaves worked on the rock, unloading salt from ships - that's how it got its name.

Morro da Conceicao also offers various views over the port area of the city, as well as over Guanabara bay and Centro neighborhood. From one of the viewpoints you are able to see the largest graffiti of Rio de Janeiro – a huge painting on a side of a building on Rua Coelho e Castro. Painted by Tomaz Viana in 2013, the artwork is 30 meters high and 70 meters wide and is a mix of different images of children, animals and balloons.

Tips for Conception Hill

• Better to go with a group of people.
• Pedra do Sal hosts a weekly vibrant samba party on Monday evenings, from 19 until about midnight.

Morro da Conceição, Saúde safety

It is not the safest neighborhood, so take care. The streets are empty, there is no police presence and it has some sketchy youngsters hanging around. Do not bring valuable things with you, nor flash around with your camera when alone. It is better to visit Morro da Conceicao with a bigger group.