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.

Main highlights in Santa Teresa

• Parque das Ruínas – a picturesque park with the ruins of an ancient mansion, which now works as a cultural center
• Museu da Chacara do Céu – a former residence of a famous art collector, surrounded with lush gardens.
• Bondinho de Santa Teresa – a famous symbol of Rio de Janeiro. Having operated continuously between 1877-2011 and reopened in 2016, Santa Teresa tram line is one of the oldest in the world.
• Escadaria Selarón - famous stairs covered with colorful glaze tiles from around the world, that connect Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods. If you are fit enough, you can start your Santa Teresa visit by climbing the stairs, followed by steep uphill, to reach the upper part of the neighborhood.
• Largo dos Guimarães - a cozy square, which is considered to be the center of Santa Teresa neighborhood, features some trendy restaurants, cozy cafeterias and stylish handicrafts shops.