Perhaps surprisingly, the suggestive name Morro dos Prazeres does not come from its beautiful views. Instead, it tips its hat to a nun named Maria dos Prazeres. She frequently visited the hill and led prayers for the locals.
Morro dos Prazeres sits in Rio de Janeiro’s Southern Zone. This favela is part of Santa Teresa. It began as a settlement around 1940. By 2010, about 2,136 people called it home. The hill itself rises 275 meters high.
Back in the 1940s, houses started popping up. These early homes were simple and spread out. Most residents had little money. In the 1950s, Getúlio Vargas was president. The government counted just over a thousand people living here.
The name Morro dos Prazeres honors Mother Maria dos Prazeres. She held masses at the hill’s base, where a chapel once stood. Now, an apartment block occupies that space.
Morro dos Prazeres gained fame as a filming location. The 2008 movie “Elite Squad” featured it. In 2011, MTV’s Rockgol, a musician’s football event, also took place here.
The community also has the Casarão dos Prazeres. It is also known as CDEI Amália Fernandez Conde. It is a center for education, arts, culture, and sports. Built around 1920, it has served many purposes. It was a family home and a religious study center. It even became a film set for “Macunaíma” and “Caçador de Fantasma”. In 1996, the city declared it a public utility. It was restored and reopened in 2001. The Education Department runs educational and cultural activities there. You can find dance, sports, arts, IT, and music.
The Arena dos Prazeres is a recreation area for the residents. Kids and adults play soccer and have fun there. It was renovated in 2011 for MTV’s Rockgol event.
From the top of Morro dos Prazeres, the views are amazing. You can see Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay. Parts of the North and South Zones are visible. The Central do Brasil clock tower is also in sight.
So next time you hear the name Morro dos Prazeres. Remember the nun who inspired it. Think about the movies filmed here. Consider the vibrant community that calls this hill home.