A typical Rio de Janeiro district, Santa Teresa was born around a convent in the 18th century and now populates a hillside in the heart of the city. A hallmark of fine arts, the district’s narrow roads bustle with dozens of art studios and old trams, which can only be found in Rio and the city of Santos, in the state of São Paulo.
The original characteristics of the Santa Teresa tram were preserved and its external features were listed as a national heritage by the State Government in 1983. The trip begins in the downtown area, passing through Arcos da Lapa and the district’s slopes, and landmarks such as Parque das Ruínas – an observatory with an amazing view of Rio de Janeiro.
Escadaria Selarón [Selarón Steps] is located 5 minutes away from Arcos da Lapa, connecting Santa Teresa to the Lapa district, decorated with colored tiles from various different corners of the world. The steps were envisioned by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.
You can also walk by the Metropolitan Cathedral or the Municipal Theater on your way back to the station.