Haven for tourists. That is what the Comunidade Santa Tereza d’Avila is known for. We are in the hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa. It attracts all types of tourists. The Comunidade Santa Tereza d’Avila was named after the small Carmelite Convent. The convent was built in 1750. A group of nuns established the convent. They did so in honor of St Theresa of Avila.
Santa Teresa is a haven for those who adore art and architectural designs. The Comunidade Santa Tereza d’Avila has numerous attractions. Museums and monuments are located here. The Museu da Chacara do Ceu was previously the home of art collector Ramundo Maya. His art collection is now on display. It includes artworks of Monet Matisse Candido Portinari and Picasso.
Another mansion was converted into a museum. This is the Centro Cultural Laurinda Santos Lobo. This mansion was previously owned by Laurinda Santos Lobo. Now it is a museum where concerts and art exhibitions occur. Laurinda Santos Lobo was popular for having soirees in her mansion. Popular personalities such as Isadora Duncan attended.
Another mansion turned museum is the former 1860 home of Benjamin Constant de Magalhaes. He was the head of the Republican Movement of Brazil during that time. The mansion still exudes its glamour. Presently it is a museum. It houses numerous artifacts books art collections and photographs about Rio’s history.
The Santa Teresa Tramways are considered a heritage tramway. It is locally called ‘bonde’. This historic tramway was built in 1896. Up to this day it is still in operation. Tourists who board the tram start their journey at Centro. They pass through the aqueduct called Arcos da Lapa. Then they continue onto the hills of Santa Teresa. This gives tourists the chance to appreciate the picturesque view of the city.
A staircase measures almost 125 meters. It connects Santa Teresa and Lapa. This 250 step mosaic staircase is the work of artist Jorge Selaron. It is still an ongoing piece of art. The Chilean artist claims that the mosaic pieces were taken from 60 different countries. The pieces are combined with painted tiles. Up to this day the artist continuously replaces any unattractive piece that he sees. He replaces it with an even better piece. This makes up the splendid Selaron staircase.
During the Rio Carnival Parade Santa Teresa has its very own parade. It is organized by the Bloco das Carmelitas. There are two types of parades organized at the Bloco das Carmelitas. Both are parades about a nun. The first one takes place on the first day of the carnival. It tells the story of how the nun escaped from the convent. The second parade happens on a Carnival Tuesday. It tells about the nun’s return to the convent. Members of the bloco are all dressed up as nuns.
Just like any tourist you can never go home without buying a souvenir. You can find only a few handicraft and souvenir stores in Santa Teresa. The best one is La Veresa. It can be reached by riding the Santa Teresa Tramway. It sells a wide array of local goods. These include handicrafts souvenir old photos.
The history of Santa Teresa revolves around the convent. In 1750 sisters Jacinta and Francisca Rodrigues Ayres started working on establishing a convent on Morro do Desterro. After the convent was established it drew in more residents. The neighborhood was also protected from a cholera epidemic in the late 19th century. This boosted its development. Over the years Santa Teresa has grown to be one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rio. The Comunidade Santa Tereza d’Avila stands as a testament to faith art and history. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into Rio’s rich cultural heritage.