Morro do Exército

Scaling the heights of Morro do Exército, haven’t you ever wondered about the origins of this imposing peak? Morro do Exército, translating to “Army Hill,” isn’t a military base as the name might suggest. Its history is intertwined with a larger narrative of urban transformation and social change in Rio de Janeiro. Morro do Exército is part of the Complexo do Alemão, a group of favelas in Rio’s North Zone. This complex has a unique and often tumultuous history. After World War I, a Polish immigrant named Leonard Kaczmarkiewicz purchased the land that would become Complexo do Alemão, including Morro do Exército. His distinct European appearance led locals to nickname the area “Morro do Alemão” or German’s Hill. This name eventually extended to encompass the entire complex of favelas. The area remained rural until the late 1920s. The establishment of a leather factory, Curtume Carioca, attracted workers and spurred initial development. The inauguration of Avenida Brasil in 1946 further transformed the region into a bustling industrial zone. Kaczmarkiewicz began selling plots of his land in 1951, and like many other areas in Rio, unplanned growth led to the formation of the favela we see today, including Morro do Exército. The Morro do Exército, along with the rest of Complexo do Alemão, gained notoriety for social issues and clashes with law enforcement. A significant police operation in 2007, just before the Pan American Games, resulted in numerous fatalities and drew international criticism. In 2010, a large-scale military operation aimed at reclaiming the area from drug traffickers involved thousands of troops. Despite these challenges, Morro do Exército and Complexo do Alemão have also seen periods of progress and community development. The implementation of UPPs (Pacifying Police Units) brought a greater police presence and government services. Community events, including biking and running competitions, have fostered a sense of unity and resilience. Morro do Exército, part of this vibrant and evolving community, stands as a testament to the complex forces that shape Rio de Janeiro.