Tired of the bustling city? Vargem Pequena offers a tranquil escape right here in Rio de Janeiro. This neighborhood is known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Let’s discover its story.
Vargem Pequena sits in the western part of Rio. It shares borders with Camorim, Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Vargem Grande. In 2000, its Human Development Index was 0.746. This ranked it 116th out of 126 areas in Rio.
Once, Vargem Pequena was part of Gonçalo Correia de Sá’s vast estate. He gifted it to his daughter Vitória de Sá in 1625. Later, it became property of Dom Luiz de Céspedes in 1628. After Vitória’s death in 1667, Benedictine monks inherited the land. They divided it from the Engenho do Camorim creating the Vargem Pequena farm.
In 1776, Padre Frei Gaspar de Madre de Deus built a church. This is the Igreja de N. Sra. do Pilar now known as N. Sra. de Monte Serrat. It stands on a hill offering beautiful views of the plains.
Back in 1678, Frei Bernardo de São Bento designed the first access road. It connected Benedictine properties. This road is now known as Estrada dos Bandeirantes. In 1710, the corsair Duclerc marched his soldiers through here to attack Rio.
For two centuries, the Benedictines raised cattle and grew cassava. They also produced flour. This supported sugarcane cultivation. Later, coffee became a major crop here. Small farmers associated with the Benedictines populated Vargem Pequena. They committed their produce to the order based in downtown Rio.
The Benedictines’ land was sold in 1891. It went to the Companhia Engenho Central de Jacarepaguá. Later, it was passed to the Banco de Crédito Móvel. Farmers who didn’t recognize the bank’s claim founded the Caixa Auxiliadora dos Lavradores de Jacarepaguá e Guaratiba.
Land sales increased in the 1930s. After 1936, Francis Walter Hime’s Empresa Saneadora Territorial Agrícola began sanitation. They also managed the area.
Vargem Pequena has transformed over time. Once rural with farms and vacation homes it is now more urban. Condominiums are rising south of Estrada dos Bandeirantes. These occupy areas near the Portelo Canal. There are also communities like Palmares and Monte Serrat. A small shopping center is on Estrada dos Bandeirantes. The Universidade Estácio de Sá has a veterinary medicine course here. It was established in 1996.
Today Vargem Pequena offers leisure activities and eco-tourism. Fazenda Alegria sits within a large forest reserve. Sítio Lagedo covers a large area. The Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca is nearby.
Connected to Recreio dos Bandeirantes by the Estrada Benvindo de Novaes, Vargem Pequena is rapidly growing. Its population increased significantly between 2000 and 2010. Despite some unplanned development, it remains a tranquil area.
It is known as a peaceful refuge. Vargem Pequena offers fresh air. This suburb is surrounded by mountains. It is perfect for nature and sports enthusiasts.