it is no surprise that in this amorous city, the most famous legend of the island, is that of the morro moreninha, arguably the same one that serves as the central setting for the joaquim manuel de macedo novel of the same name. 

it was here that the lovers augstus and carolina conducted their romance and it is at the same villa - now owned by the national park service and open to visitors - that lovers from across rio (and indeed the world) come to share their affections.

not far from the moreninha is the valentine stone, site of a timeless couples legend, which says about the couple that can throw an object onto the stone without it falling, that their love is eternal and they are soon to wed.