Morro do Engenho Velho

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Across the shimmering expanse of Guanabara Bay, Morro do Engenho Velho beckons. This hill holds a secret, a whisper of Rio de Janeiro’s colonial past. Morro do Engenho Velho translates to “Old Mill Hill”. This name hints at its history, tied to the early sugar production on Ilha do Governador. In 1662, Governor Salvador Correia de Sá demarcated the island, including the land where the old mill stood. The records speak of descending a hill, crossing the site of a former hermitage belonging to Engenho Velho, and arriving at the beach. This beach lies west of the old church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. The church stands near Bica Beach. Remnants of the past linger. Stone walls, ruins of Salvador’s engenho, once marked the spot, a testament to the island’s sugar-producing history. These vestiges offer a glimpse into a time when sugar fueled the economy. Imagine the activity, the toil, and the sweet scent of molasses hanging in the air. The landscape has transformed over centuries. Yet, the hill still holds the echoes of its industrious past. Morro do Engenho Velho stands as a silent witness to the island’s transformation. It reminds us of the layers of history that shape this vibrant city.

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