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Santa Teresa - historic bohemian neighborhood with great views.
The most romantic and bohemian neighborhood in Rio. As you walk uphill from Selaron stairs along narrow streets of historical Santa Teresa, you will find art and culture around every corner: old luxurious villas and mansions, walls with eye-catching graffiti, art studios, crafts shops, and of course the stunning views, which are definitely the biggest masterpiece of the Cidade Maravilhosa. Rio is all about its magnificent views and Santa Teresa is another great place to observe them. Parque das Ruínas offers a 360-degree close-up view of the city and its numerous contrasts.
Santa Teresa neighborhood is interesting for its historical and rugged atmosphere. Walking the narrow cobblestoned streets leaves you with mixed feelings – the narrow streets and decayed houses give it a favela-like atmosphere, the cobble-stoned streets remind of the old European streets from the Middle Ages, the beautiful architecture hints of an aristocratic neighborhood. It´s an interesting place to walk around, but not the safest one. Better go there by a taxi and keep to the main streets with more people around, in the evening visit one of its beautiful restaurants and enjoy the bohemian neighborhood.
The neighborhood was named after Santa Teresa Convent built here in 1750s. Throughout its history, Santa Teresa was inhabited by Portuguese, French and many other immigrants from Europe. At the end of the 19th century it used to be an upper class neighborhood. Nowadays Santa Teresa is the favorite place for artists and intellectuals.