The New York Times frequently does great pieces about gems of Rio de Janeiro.
The latest is an article about Santa Teresa, one of my favorite spots in the city. The article promotes some of the area's finest eateries (although neglects to appreciate Aprizavel, one of my favorites), but includes info on the history of Santa Teresa:
TAXI drivers need a bit of convincing to drive up to the hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro. The ascent involves hairpin curves on slick cobblestone roads, and having to share the narrow lane with rickety yellow streetcars.
Built in the 19th century, when Rio was the capital of Brazil, Santa Teresa was once the city’s upper-class refuge, a hilltop enclave lined with sprawling mansions and leafy streets. But by the mid-20th century, the neighborhood was largely abandoned, as affluent families moved to new beachfront developments or Brasília, which became the nation’s capital in 1960. Then, in the 1970s, Santa Teresa was resuscitated by artists looking for cheap housing. To some, that was the neighborhood’s golden age.
Click here for the full article.
Comments